Insomnia is not an uncommon sleep problem. Approximately 40-50 percent of the world's population has experienced short and long term insomnia at some time in their lives. Having problems sleeping is not only inconvenient, but can be harmful to your health. Knowing the causes of insomnia can help you determine whether you have insomnia or if something else is possibly to blame.



Short-term, or transient insomnia, has many causes. Over time, eliminating (if you can) or decreasing the factors influencing your insomnia can lower its occurrence. It takes some self-discipline to change the environmental factors and personal habits contributing to transient insomnia.

• Caffeine can be good during the day to give you pep, but it should be limited at night. It is found in beverages like coffee, energy drinks, and soft drinks. Caffeine is a stimulant that has been proven to keep you from falling asleep.

• Alcohol can contribute to your insomnia. Some people think alcohol makes them sleep better, but in actuality drinking alcohol can cause wakefulness that interrupts a good night's sleep.

• Smoking is another contributor to insomnia. Smokers have a harder time falling asleep than non-smokers due to the levels of nicotine, which is a stimulant, in their bodies.

• Sights and sounds can cause insomnia. Leaving lights or the television on can prevent you from falling asleep. Use a sleep mask and close your curtains and blinds to fall asleep and stay asleep. If outside noise is keeping you up, try turning a fan on to help drown out the noise.

• We all do our best to avoid it but stress can take a toll on our sleep patterns. Worrying about finances, family, and work contribute to incidents of insomnia. Find ways to deal with your stress through counseling or confiding in a friend. Your efforts will return your sleep patterns to normal.

• We all love to take trips. But, traveling can interrupt sleep patterns especially when traveling at odd hours or across time zones. Try to travel during normal waking hours to establish a routine like the one you observe at home.

Long-term, or chronic insomnia, is caused by:

• Breathing issues contribute to sleep disturbances. Sleep apnea is one of those conditions that make getting good sleep difficult. The condition is characterized by cessation of breathing several times a night. If you think you suffer from sleep apnea, see a doctor right away.

• Involuntary conditions like Restless Leg Syndrome, or simply RLS. It is the feeling that something is crawling on or up your legs while you sleep. Because your legs are constantly moving, you find it hard to relax and have difficulty sleeping. See a doctor for treatment options.

• One symptom of depression is difficulty sleeping. Other emotional disorders have sleeplessness as a symptom. See a doctor to treat the underlying cause of the sleep problems.

Some reach for the sleeping pills to control their insomnia. Before going this route, try to resolve the issue naturally.