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Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia, or sleeplessness, is the inability to either initiate sleep, maintain sleep, or both. Insomnia sleep disorder is not in itself a diagnosis. There are many sleep disorders that cause insomnia, and these should be diagnosed for proper treatment. Insomnia causes include many conditions that prevent falling asleep or cause frequent awakenings that disrupt sleep.

Some of the most frequent insomnia causes are psychological, such as stress, anxiety or depression. Excess stress and anxiety can inhibit the body from relaxing and lead to insomnia. Insomnia is a common symptom of depression and may be seen as either difficulty falling asleep or difficulty staying asleep.

Other insomnia causes include parasomnias, (disorders that disrupt sleep). Examples of parasomnias include sleep walking, sleep terrors (frightening or violent dreams that are not remembered in the morning), and REM sleep disorder (vivid, action-packed dreams that are acted out while asleep). Parasomnias not only disrupt sleep but may causes increased anxiety towards sleep resulting in insomnia.

Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movements are infrequent insomnia causes. Restless legs syndrome is a condition in which a person feels discomfort in the legs and an irresistible urge to move the legs. These feelings are worse at rest. Periodic limb movements are frequent jerking or cramping of the legs during sleep. Both of these conditions increase difficulty falling asleep and may increase anxiety regarding sleep.

Additionally several medical problems can cause insomnia including chronic pain, gastrointestinal disease (heartburn), and cardiovascular (heart failure) or pulmonary (emphysema) disease. Inability to sleep due to pain, discomfort, or difficulty breathing while lying down may be a sign of a more serious medical condition that should be evaluated by a doctor.

Some medications, including stimulants, caffeine, and nicotine, can disrupt sleep patterns giving rise to insomnia. Avoidance of these products is the first treatment for sleep insomnia. Although alcohol may cause a person to fall asleep more quickly, its use will decrease sleep quality and sleep duration.

When looking for a physician for treating insomnia in Chicago, make an appointment with a physician at the Advanced Center for Specialty Care. Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat doctors) trained in sleep medicine can evaluate insomnia causes and initiate a treatment plan enabling you to start sleeping more soundly.
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