subject: Causes Of Insomnia: Three of the Most Common Causes of Insomnia [print this page] Causes Of Insomnia: Three of the Most Common Causes of Insomnia
Insomnia, trouble falling or staying asleep can be caused by normal events in life. Causes of insomnia can be so common. That is why many people do experience bouts of insomnia from time to time. Stress, anxiety and depression do arrive with thoughts and feelings that can make it hard for people to fall asleep.
There can be many issues causing a person's insomnia all at once. These three often work together. That does not necessarily mean that a stressed person also suffers from anxiety and depression. However, it is possible for an insomniac to experience all three.
Instances that are causes of insomnia can be temporary. Thus, when the event is over, normally insomnia goes away with it.
Stress
Stressful events just occur in life. It is a part of it that many people just live under constant stress. It isn't always a bad thing. Stress can drive people to perform and do their best. In small doses, stress is good.
Stress makes the body react to certain situations. This reaction is called the "fight or flight" reaction. It makes the body alert to an incoming threat. The body reacts the same way whether threats are real or perceived. Normal body stress response makes the heart pound faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens and senses become sharper. Everyone goes through this. However, the restlessness tied to this reaction or anticipation can cause sleepless nights.
Anxiety
Anxiety is defined as a future-related mood state which makes one ready to cope with upcoming negative events. It is stress that causes anxiety.
When people tackle a challenging situation, they normally feel tense, scared, nervous or worried. These are normal human reactions. Nonetheless, these feelings can give people trouble falling asleep.
Depression
Depression is more than just being sad. Depressed people feel lifeless, empty and apathetic. People experiencing depression tend to withdraw from activities that used to be interesting for them.
Depression and insomnia normally go hand in hand. Most of the people suffering from depression also experience insomnia. One can also cause the other.
The trifecta
These three are the most common causes of insomnia. Due to the fact that they exhibit such normal feelings people feel during certain events, they can easily be overlooked. They are also related to each other.
Insomnia due to stress, isn't always bad. Losing sleep to finish work or study can be helpful. It helps people move towards their goals in life. However, not sleeping is counterproductive. Symptoms of sleep deprivation can prevent people from reaching their goals. Insomnia does cause poor performance. Not to mention, not sleeping does make the stress hormone multiply much faster. Lacking sleep for long periods of time leads to increasing insomnia.
Insomnia just causes poor performance. Depression makes people not want to do anything at all. Depression can give total aversion to activity.
Stress, anxiety and depression can go away naturally. In cases where it does not and insomnia does not, it is best to seek medical help.
