Insomnia (part 2)

Causes of Insomnia

Causes of acute insomnia can include:

1. Significant life stress (job loss or change, death of a loved one, divorce, moving)
2. Illness
3. Emotional or physical discomfort
4. Environmental factors like noise, light, or extreme temperatures (hot or cold) that interfere with sleep
5. Some medications (for example those used to treat colds, allergies, depression, high blood pressure, and asthma) may interfere with sleep
6. Interferences in normal sleep schedule (jet lag or switching from a day to night shift, for example)

Causes of chronic insomnia include:

1. Depression and/or anxiety
2. Chronic stress
3. Pain or discomfort at night

Symptoms of Insomnia

Symptoms of insomnia can include:

1. Sleepiness during the day
2. General tiredness
3. Irritability
4. Problems with concentration or memory

Diagnosing Insomnia

If you think you have insomnia, talk to your health care provider. An evaluation may include a physical exam, a medical history, and a sleep history. You may be asked to keep a sleep diary for a week or two, keeping track of your sleep patterns and how you feel during the day. Your health care provider may want to interview your bed partner about the quantity and quality of your sleep. In some cases, you may be referred to a sleep center for special tests