Causes of Insomnia

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The common underlying causes of insomnia can be split into a number of categories.

Physical

Insomnia can be caused by an underlying physical condition causing involuntary movement, pain or discomfort. Examples include restless leg syndrome, obstructive sleep apnoea, arthritis, headaches, hot flushes (due to the menopause), pruritus (excessive itching), and Parkinsonâ€™s disease.

Physiological

Disruptions within the sleeping environment or to bedtime routines can cause insomnia. Factors include noise, light, snoring or movements of a partner, jet lag, or intellectual or physical activity immediately before bedtime (such as sports or heavy reading).

Psychological

Loss or worry, caused by events such as bereavement, can make sleeping difficult. Other examples include relationship problems, work worries, and even anxieties about being unable to sleep.

Psychiatric

Underlying mental health problems such as depression, dementia or anxiety, can be a source of insomnia.

Pharmacological

Sleeping problems can result from the effects of drugs. Withdrawal from certain drugs such as hypnotics (prescribed for short-term insomnia) may cause re-bound insomnia â€“ when the person stops taking them the sleeping problems reoccur. Taking other drugs can also reduce the quality of sleep, for example: alcohol, antidepressants, appetite suppressants, beta-blockers and corticosteroids.