What causes insomnia?

Sleep can be disrupted by an infinite number of stressful events. Almost everyone has occasional insomnia due a stressful event such as the death of a loved one. Some people can have more frequent insomnia and develop a sleep disorder called Primary Insomnia. Anybody can get insomnia, but certain groups of people tend to be more at risk such as women and older people. A troubling period of insomnia that continues for more than a few days usually has a combination of underlying causes.

The most common causes to consider are:

• Ongoing worry and anxiety about situations
• Life stressors (bad relationships, stressful work, law suits, discrimination)
• A predisposition to be more aroused (physically and/or mentally)
• Medical problems
• Psychiatric problems
• Substances
• Factors in the sleep environment (bed, bed partner, noise, light)
• Maladaptive sleep patterns
• False information and negative attitudes about sleep

For a detailed diagram showing the development of chronic vs. temporary insomnia, look at Insomnia PDF’s.