Top 5 Causes Of Insomnia

The symptoms of insomnia are caused by a diverse range of factors. In order to successfully treat insomnia in an individual, it is important that the combination of factors affecting each individual, and the interactions between them, are understood. This article looks at 5 causes of insomnia and points you towards some resources for cures and treatments for these.

Causes Of Insomnia #1 - Foods And Drinks

What you eat and drink, particularly in the evening time can have a huge influence on your ability to sleep at night. Common causes of sleeping problems caused by food include eating large amounts of protein or processed sugars late at night. Choose carbohydrate-rich products instead - these contain the amino acid called Tryptophan, which is a proven aid in falling asleep.

Drinks containing caffeine are also detrimental to sleep - including both coffee and many sodas. These should be avoided late in the day where possible.

Causes Of Insomnia #2 - Exercise And Lifestyle Choices

A healthy lifestyle and regular exercise are both effective methods of assuring yourself a restful night of sleep. However, it is possible that exercise can have the opposite effect and actually keep you awake at night. This occurs when it is taken too close to your bed-time. Exercising actually releases stimulating brain chemicals which may prevent sleep onset. Ensuring that you complete any exercise 2-3 hours before bed will avoid any of these issues.

Causes Of Insomnia #3 - Your Sleeping Environment

This is a complicated subject and potentially involves many interacting factors including the temperature, noise levels and of course the comfort of your bedding.

A common cause of disturbed sleep is not having enough natural space to twist and turn in the night. Blocks or objects in your bed can cause disruption to the natural sleeping cycle that can have lasting effects. The ideal sleeping environment is reasonably cool, dark, quiet and has comfortable bedding and pillows.

Causes Of Insomnia #4 - The Effects Of Alcohol

Alcohol is actually a sedative, which will relax you and is considered helpful in falling asleep at night. However, this has a negative effect and is a common cause of reported sleep disorders.

The reason is that the sleep you receive after drinking alcohol is of lesser quality than without. This can leave you tired and irritable the next day, which then leads to compensatory behaviors - including higher caffeine intake and taking naps. Both of these then lead to further sleeping problems - starting a 'vicious circle' of behavior which is detrimental to good quality sleep.

Causes Of Insomnia #5 - Stress And Worries

Financial, family and work-related worries can often compound sleeping problems. The effects of these work in various ways, sometimes leading to 'stress symptoms' which actually change your brain-chemistry. Or just leading to a 'busy mind' late at night which stops you from sleeping.

The main treatment of these psychological insomnia symptoms is to effectively address the underlying causes. Where this is not immediately possible then keeping a notepad by your bed side and jotting down those worries can go a long way towards helping.

For comprehensive yet clearly written guides to common sleep disorders, the causes of insomnia and the most effective treatments, check our the quality articles at: www.best-insomnia-treatment.com. Reprinted from www.goarticles.com.

Article Source: http://www.sleepdisorderarticles.com

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