Do you do know what causes insomnia? Sure, everyone has trouble falling asleep on occasion. But if counting sheep or drinking a glass of warm milk no longer does the trick, you may have a more chronic condition known as insomnia. Luckily, it\’s usually easy to treat once you know your triggers. Find out which one of these top causes is the source behind your nighttime woes.
Irregular Sleep Routine
Parents make sure their kids have a set bedtime. They help their child put on their pajamas, brush their teeth, and read a bedtime story each night. What’s more, parents would never let a toddler drink a soda or watch loud a television show right before sending them off to bed. Why not? A regular evening routine promotes better sleep.
Too many adults have poor sleep habits. They go to bed at irregular times or nap throughout the day. Some even stare at a mobile device in bed, and blue light suppresses melatonin production. What\’s the solution? Try setting a bedtime, stopping meals a bit earlier, and turning off all lights in your bedroom. Making a few changes to your nighttime routine could help you beat insomnia.
Stress and Worry
What will tomorrow bring? Think about how many nights you lie in bed worrying about the next day. Life is stressful, and some days are harder than others. Unfortunately, money problems, relationship struggles, and health issues can keep you up at night.
Stress is one of the top insomnia triggers. It also causes high blood pressure, body aches, and digestive issues. If you don\’t address the underlying problem, you might eventually forget what it feels like to sleep well.
Depression
It\’s normal to feel down in the dumps on occasion. However, when those negative emotions start consuming your everyday thoughts, depression could be to blame. Depression causes overwhelming sadness, hopelessness, and grief. It feels like a downward spiral with no relief in sight.
People dealing with depression may sleep more than usual, but some also develop insomnia. They may either struggle to fall asleep or frequently awaken once they do. Is depression affecting your sleep? Seeking professional therapy should help you sleep soundly once again.
A Holistic Approach to Insomnia
Not getting enough sleep can harm your mental and physical health. It can lead to daytime drowsiness, forgetfulness, and clumsiness. Some people struggle to manage their family, relationships, and job duties. But there is hope. Learning your insomnia triggers will help you look forward to bedtime.
Taylor Trussell is an Associate Professional Counselor at Positive Living Psychotherapy. He uses a holistic and evidence-based approach to treat the underlying cause of your insomnia. Our clients receive one-on-one and group counseling sessions to uncover their best selves. Together, we can help you overcome insomnia.
Tired of waking up tired? Schedule a consultation with Taylor at Positive Living Psychotherapy to discover your top causes of insomnia.