Why Can’t I Sleep?

Everyone, sometime in their life has asked themselves this very question.  Luckily, for the majority of us it is just for one or two nights.  Those who suffer from chronic insomnia are asking themselves this very question night after night.

The causes for difficulty sleeping can be caused by numerous situations.  Insomnia can be caused by internal or external forces.  Sometimes people experience sleeplessness when they just can’t shut down their brain.  They are always worrying about what they have to do tomorrow or worrying about money, or other personal situations.  Increased levels of stress in a person’s life can greatly affect their sleep patterns in a negative way.  What you do before bed can also have a negative affect on your sleep.  Did you drink a pot of coffee one hour before bed?  Did you consume a heavy meal and then hit the sack?  Excessive caffeine or consuming a large meal just before bed can negatively affect your sleep.  Caffeine remains in your body for around 6 - 8 hours and while you may feel that caffeine does not keep you awake, it can affect the amount and type of sleep you experience.  Consuming a large meal just before bed can cause you to wake from heartburn or gastric discomfort.  A person’s sleep may also be disrupted by a change in their life.  Perhaps an individual has found themselves with a new pet, new baby, or a new bed partner.  Maybe that 15 year-old mattress is due to be retired or it could be time to install a ceiling fan or a sound machine.  Sleep can even be disrupted by something as simple as a change in the bedtime routine.

Not only can sleep be affected by emotional or environmental issues, but medical conditions such as pain, sleep apnea, asthma, heartburn or frequent urination can cause a sleepless night.

Everyone occasionally has a rough night of sleep.  Usually it doesn’t progress to a chronic problem.  If you find yourself having trouble sleeping at night, read about sleep hygiene to learn what you can do to help yourself get a better night’s sleep or contact us for additional help and/or resources.