Insomnia isn’t just a result of late nights or poor habits; it’s often a sign of something deeper. If you find yourself wide awake despite feeling tired, there could be an underlying medical reason. From chronic stress and mental health conditions to hormone imbalances, neurological disorders, and even skin or digestive issues, many health problems can interfere with your ability to sleep. In some cases, even medications or seemingly minor discomforts may be to blame. Understanding these root causes is the first step toward finding relief and restoring healthy, restful sleep.
Medical reasons for insomnia: Why sleep won’t come easily
Irregular Sleep Schedule
Disruption of the body’s natural circadian rhythm can contribute to sleep difficulties. Frequent travel across time zones, working night shifts, or maintaining inconsistent bedtimes confuses the internal body clock, making it harder to fall asleep at conventional hours. In some individuals, their natural sleep-wake cycle may simply differ from societal norms, leading to what’s known as delayed sleep phase disorder.
Mental Health Disorders
Mental illnesses are a major contributor to insomnia. Over half of those with persistent sleep problems have an underlying mental health condition. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) all have links to disrupted sleep. In fact, difficulty sleeping is often one of the first signs of an emerging mental health condition. Addressing both the mental illness and the sleep issues is essential for effective treatment.
Breathing Issues
Sleep apnea, characterised by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, is a major cause of nighttime wakefulness. It often goes unnoticed by the sleeper but results in next-day fatigue and grogginess. Other respiratory issues like asthma or nasal allergies can also disturb sleep by making breathing more difficult during the night. A proper medical diagnosis and treatment, such as CPAP therapy or inhalers, can help restore restful sleep.
Stress
Acute stress , such as job loss, grief, or a major life event, can lead to a few nights of poor sleep, commonly known as acute insomnia. However, when stress becomes chronic or is linked to anxiety disorders, panic attacks, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it may develop into chronic insomnia. This longer-lasting form of sleep disturbance often requires medical support and stress management strategies.
Dementia
People with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia often experience sleep disturbances known as “sundowning.” As evening approaches, they may become more anxious, confused, restless, or even aggressive. These symptoms can lead to pacing or wandering at night, preventing deep, restful sleep. Managing this requires a calm evening routine and, in some cases, medical intervention.
Chronic Pain
Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, back pain, or cancer can make falling or staying asleep difficult. Unfortunately, sleep deprivation can also increase sensitivity to pain, creating a vicious cycle. Pain management and targeted therapy can improve both discomfort and sleep quality over time.
Skin Irritation
Itchy skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis can cause intense discomfort that makes sleep nearly impossible. Even if sleep is achieved, scratching may cause nighttime awakenings. Identifying the underlying cause of the itch and using prescribed creams or antihistamines can significantly improve sleep.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s interferes with the brain’s ability to regulate movement and often leads to frequent nighttime awakenings, disrupted REM sleep, and sleep apnea. It may also increase nighttime urination. Compounding the problem, related depression or anxiety can further worsen sleep. While some medications can help, they may also cause confusion or grogginess in some patients, requiring careful adjustment.
Menopause
During menopause, declining levels of progesterone and oestrogen disrupt sleep regulation. Many women experience hot flashes—=, sudden surges in adrenaline and body heat that cause night sweats and sleep interruption. Hormonal changes, along with midlife stressors, can make it harder to relax at night. Treatment may include lifestyle changes or hormone therapy.
PMS and PMDD
Women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or the more severe premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) often face sleep issues during their cycle. Hormonal shifts can affect body temperature and melatonin production. Emotional symptoms like mood swings and anxiety may further hinder the ability to rest.
Digestive Disorders
Gastrointestinal problems such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are linked to high rates of insomnia. Heartburn, bloating, or abdominal discomfort can make it hard to fall asleep or wake you up in the middle of the night. Treating the underlying digestive disorder often improves sleep.
Pregnancy
Up to 78% of pregnant women report trouble sleeping. Hormonal changes, increased urination, nausea, back pain, and anxiety all contribute. Vivid dreams and difficulty finding a comfortable position also affect rest. Since sleep is crucial for both mother and baby, it’s important to address these issues with a healthcare provider.
Medication Side Effects
Many prescription and over-the-counter medications may interfere with sleep. These include drugs for allergies, high blood pressure, depression (particularly SSRIs like fluoxetine), ADHD, thyroid issues, and Parkinson’s disease. Stimulants such as pseudoephedrine in cold medicines can also keep you awake. If you suspect your medications are affecting your sleep, speak with your doctor about alternatives.In some cases, there’s no obvious physical, mental, or environmental reason for sleep troubles. This is known as primary insomnia. It’s thought that some individuals may have a neurological predisposition that keeps the brain too alert at night. Research is ongoing to understand the genetic and biological factors behind this condition.Sleep deprivation impacts more than just mood. It impairs memory, focus, and judgment and increases the risk of accidents. Chronic insomnia is linked to obesity, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Left untreated, it can significantly harm both physical and mental health.Creating a calming bedtime routine can help. Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, cool, and comfortable. Avoid caffeine, heavy meals, and electronic devices before bed. Gentle activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or stretching may help ease you into sleep. Daily exercise and morning sunlight exposure can also regulate your circadian rhythm.Also Read: Colon Cancer: Best and worst foods for colon cancer prevention you need to know about
