What
Are Some of the Most Common Reasons for Insomnia?
Whether it's stress, anxiety, overstimulation or an
imbalanced diet, there are many reasons for insomnia. So many, in fact, that
60% of Americans report that they struggle with getting to sleep every single
night.
If you're reading this, you are probably struggling to get
to sleep yourself. It's a good thing you're researching insomnia, along with potential
cures, because sleep deprivation has serious consequences. Those that suffer
from poor sleeping habits are four times more likely to develop depression
disorders and are also more likely to develop heart disease. Of course, because
you're drowsy, you're also at a higher risk for accidents on the road and on
the job, and your personal relationships and professional performance may also
suffer if you're too sleepy to give 100% of your focus, attention, and effort
to what matters in life.
With that in mind, here are three of the most common reasons
for insomnia, and what you can do to help overcome them and get the good
night's sleep you deserve:
1.
You might
be ingesting chemicals that are causing you to have trouble going to sleep. Caffeine, alcohol, and many
prescription drugs are part of everyday reality for most people. We love a cup
of coffee in the morning, a glass of wine with dinner, and many of us need to
take medications to manage chronic conditions. The problem is, all three of
these can inhibit sleep. Caffeine is a great pick-me-up in the morning, but it
can prevent you from getting to sleep long after its benefits have worn off. Don't
drink more than two cups per day, and don't drink it after noon. Alcohol
temporarily depresses your nervous system, but makes it harder to sleep in the
long-term, and some medications like antidepressants, blood pressure drugs,
psychostimulants, and steroids can definitely
contribute to insomnia.
2.
You might
not be getting enough physical activity.
In our modern sedentary lifestyle, where we sit down on our commutes to work,
sit down at our desks for eight hours, and come home to sit in front of the
television, our bodies aren't getting a chance to get tired in the first place
because we aren't getting the physical activity our muscles were designed for. If
you aren't regularly exercising at least three times per week, this is very
likely one your biggest reasons for insomnia.
3.
You might
be stressed, anxious, or depressed. This is a vicious cycle – stress,
anxiety, and depression are major reasons for insomnia, but insomnia can cause
stress, anxiety, and depression, creating a feedback loop that can drastically
affect the quality of your life. If you feel like you are under a lot of
stress, or you exhibit the signs and symptoms of anxiety or depression, speak
to a doctor or therapist right away. Your mental health is too precious to let
a disorder go untreated.
There they are: the most common reasons for insomnia. If
none of them apply, or you have addressed your particular issue and still can't
get to sleep, see your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible. Insomnia
is no joke – and you deserve a good night's sleep every night.
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