Did you know that close to half the population of the U.S. suffers from insomnia? This is a startling statistic, until you realize that just about everyone experiences some form of insomnia at least once in their lifetime. Many other people suffer constantly for many years with major negative consequences.



Winning the battle with insomnia is very important because it has a major affect on your life and those close to you. Not getting enough sleep will definitely make you cranky and moody, causing you to lose your concentration throughout the day. It can also weaken your immune system, making you much more vulnerable to illnesses. So if you're suffering from insomnia, it's time to do battle and seek out a solution. One characteristic of someone with insomnia is their inability to even "will" their bodies to go to sleep no matter how much they try. They toss and turn until the sheets fall off their bed. They try counting sheep, without success. They get up and drink some water and do some stretching exercises with the same results ? no sleep.

Insomnia isn't just about not being able to sleep, but also means waking up many times during the night, or having a sense that you didn't get a good night's sleep, or even waking up too early in the morning and not being able to get back to sleep.

It's a good idea, if this sounds like your sleep pattern, that you determine what kind of insomnia you have. You can do this without the need to consult a doctor.

Here are a few of the main causes of insomnia for you to review.

One of the major causes is psychological factors such as depression, sadness, or constant negative thoughts and feelings running through the mind. These thoughts may have been the result of some traumatic event that you can't shake (perhaps an embarrassing incident at work, or financial problems, or the death of a loved one). Stress, anxiety, excitement and even nervousness are all contributing factors that can lead to insomnia.

Of course, physical injuries or illnesses will also cause insomnia. I've had a pinched never in my lower back for over twenty years and it causes me to toss and turn all night. Chiropractic treatments help, but unless I have surgery, the strain on the nerve will never go away. Some people suffer from heart problems and many other illnesses and quite often it's the medication they're taking that causes sleeplessness. Food, of course, is another factor that will cause insomnia. It's particularly important to watch your intake of caffeine, which includes coffee, chocolate, and tea. Any foods with caffeine should be on your watch list of things to either avoid or consume in moderation. This also applies to alcohol and nicotine, because they're all stimulants that can keep your mind awake. Engaging in any vigorous exercise too close to bedtime isn't a good idea because it increases your heart rate, can get you excited, and in effect prevent you from falling asleep.

Try to create a quiet atmosphere by the time you are ready to turn in for the night, and of course, make sure your bed is comfortable for you. Turning out the lights will also help you sleep better.

One problem for many insomniacs is they constantly look at the clock! Stop doing that because it just gets you stressed out, and probably keeps you awake even longer. In fact, get rid of the clock near your bed altogether. If you need an alarm clock to signal when it's time to get up, then turn its face away from you so you can't see it.

Room temperature will have an affect on your ability to sleep, so try to make it as comfortable as possible. There may be other people you have to consider when it comes to room temperature, so try to find a balance that works for everyone.

Finally, stop complaining about not being able to sleep, because it will just get you stressed out. Try to relax. Perhaps a nice warm bath will help to soothe your body. Herbal remedies, meditation and even sex can all be methods that help you relax enough to fall asleep.

It's important not to ignore the consequences brought about by insomnia because an extended period of not sleeping well will create havoc with your health, relationships and could even damage your career. If all else fails, you may have to consult a therapist to help you find deeper root causes of your inability to get a full night's sleep.