What Causes Insomnia?

There are a multitude of causes that may contribute to insomnia and sleeping problems, however, insomnia is usually categorized as either acute or chronic insomnia. Acute insomnia can occur suddenly and similarly can go away just as quickly, without the use of sleeping pills.

Acute insomnia can be caused by the following:

a) Sudden and extreme stress, such as financial worries, the death of a loved one or losing a job.

b) Illness or injury, which may make sleeping difficult.

c) Certain medications.

d) Changes in your normal sleep schedule, such as having a baby, jetlag or getting used to a job that requires you to work night shifts.

Chronic insomnia, however, is usually ongoing and can seriously disrupt your quality of life on a long term basis. Chronic insomnia usually doesn’t simply disappear on its own and may require sleeping pills in order to facilitate proper sleep. Problems with sleep 3 or more times weekly and for 3 months or longer would classify a case as being chronic. These problems can be linked to more severe physiological issues, can have psychological roots, and can be linked to the use of certain medications among other factors.