The Causes and Cures for Insomnia

 

Insomnia is a condition wherein an individual has trouble getting complete sleep or has difficulty sleeping without being interrupted. For those who are waking up periodically during nighttime, or if you can’t fall asleep, then you probably have insomnia. It is a condition that most of us will encounter during our lifetime. However, it can also be a long-term condition affecting millions of people all over the world. The chronic type of insomnia happens every night and lasts for at least a month. This condition may be related to other factors such as psychiatric illness, medical illness, excitement, mental stress, or caused by your bedtime habits.

 

What Are the Causes of My Insomnia?

A sudden change in your routine typically causes a short-term condition of insomnia. The long-term or chronic insomnia may be caused by your unhealthy bedtime or daytime habit, poor sleeping environment, shift work, psychological and mental problems.   It can also be a combination of the aforementioned causes.

 

Psychological Cause of Insomnia

 

Some of the most common medical and psychological cause of insomnia includes prescription drugs, underlying illness, anxiety, depression, and stress; it can also be related to other sleep disorders such as circadian rhythm, restless legs, and sleep apnea.   Many drugs can interfere with our regular sleep routines, such as slimming pills, diuretics, pain relievers that may contain some caffeine, flu and cold medication, contraceptives, high-blood medications, and thyroid hormone corticosteroid, stimulants, and anti-depressants. Cancer, kidney disease, acid reflux, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson’s disease, allergies, and asthma may also lead to insomnia. A heightened level of emotion such as trauma, bipolar disorder, grief, worry, and anger may also contribute to the sleeping problem.

 

Unhealthy Habit That May Cause Insomnia

 

Inadequate exercise, eating heavy meals before bedtime, large consumption of sugary foods, drinking caffeine, napping, and an irregular sleeping schedule are some habits that can lead to insomnia. It is a tough habit that will be challenging to correct. Overstimulation or overthinking during the daytime will also make it difficult for you to shut down your brain and sleep at nighttime.

 

Cures for Insomnia

 

Doing some simple changes in your habit and your bedroom can make it a more apt place for sleeping and gradually help you overcome your condition. Remember to only use your bedroom for sleeping purposes instead of reading books, watching TV, or surfing the net. Avoid any form of stimulating activity right before your bedtime. Being exposed to the blue of your phone screen, laptop, or television can prevent you from getting quality sleep.

 

There are also relaxations techniques such as meditation, muscle relaxation, and abdominal breathing, which can help you sleep soundly. Avoid doing rigorous exercises two hours before your sleep. The use of essential oils can also improve the ambiance of your room and help you fall asleep. Color psychology claims that some colors may help you sleep. Cool colors such as blue and green can provide you with a relaxing effect, while red, yellow, and orange can stimulate your emotion and make it difficult to get complete sleep.

 

Insomnia is a condition that is commonly a result of our unhealthy habits and overthinking. We can significantly improve our situation by making simple adjustments to our daily routine.