What Causes Insomnia?
Listening to the tick-tock of the clock as you stare at the electronic glow on the nightstand, or counting off the hours of sleep you may get if only you could fall asleep. If you regularly experience this situation, you may be suffering from insomnia.
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder currently effecting over 60 million people every day. In addition to experiencing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep and sleeping through the night but waking exhausted is a symptom as well. Proper sleep requires experiencing all 5-sleep stages.
Sleep Stages: There are five stages of sleep.
Stage #1: This stage begins the sleep cycle process and assists in transitioning between wake and sleep.
Stage #2: This stage involves rhythmic brain wave activity. Body temperature and heart rate start to decrease.
Stage #3: This stage assists in transitioning between light and deep sleep.
Stage #4: Known as delta sleep, slow brain waves begin.
Stage #5: Known as REM (rapid eye movement), brain activity and muscle relaxation begins. A common misconception is assuming sleeping through the night provides the proper amount of daily sleep requirements. Although individuals may sleep through the night, they may not be completing sleep cycles of all five stages. Individuals suffering from insomnia fail to experience stages 4 and 5.
Stage #1: This stage begins the sleep cycle process and assists in transitioning between wake and sleep.
Stage #2: This stage involves rhythmic brain wave activity. Body temperature and heart rate start to decrease.
Stage #3: This stage assists in transitioning between light and deep sleep.
Stage #4: Known as delta sleep, slow brain waves begin.
Stage #5: Known as REM (rapid eye movement), brain activity and muscle relaxation begins. A common misconception is assuming sleeping through the night provides the proper amount of daily sleep requirements. Although individuals may sleep through the night, they may not be completing sleep cycles of all five stages. Individuals suffering from insomnia fail to experience stages 4 and 5.
Stage 4 provides restorative functions. It is during this stage when restoration of muscles, tissue and immune system occur. Stage 5 restores and processes daily memory and learned information. Neurotransmitters produce chemicals such as serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are necessary for providing energy levels throughout the day.
Causes of Insomnia
There are many causes of insomnia, and we always recommend that you visit a doctor, or get an online doctor consultation to get rid of your insomnia. Below are the major causes.
Eating Habits/Weight:
Being overweight as well as consuming large meals and caffeine can cause heartburn, digestion and breathing problems, which will disrupt sleep. Caffeine is a stimulant.
Stress/Anxiety:
Concerns weighing heavily on the mind will make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. It’s sensible to visit a psychiatrist to get this checked.
Depression:
Symptoms include sleep deprivation as well as oversleeping. Depression causes chemical imbalances which effect sleep cycles.
Medications:
Many prescription and over the counter drugs may cause stimulation side effect as well as increased urination, all factors effecting sleep.
Environment:
Changing schedules, a new job or moving to a new location can disrupt sleep patterns.
Alcohol/Tobacco:
Alcohol and drug abuse as well as nicotine are large contributors to sleep deprivation and disruption.
