Why Can’t I Sleep? How Insomnia Is Plaguing the World

Sleep deprivation is a common occurrence in today’s bustling world. With the constant demands of work, personal life, and technology, it’s no surprise that many people struggle with getting a good night’s rest. However, for some individuals, sleeplessness is more than just an occasional inconvenience – it’s a chronic condition known as insomnia.

Insomnia affects millions of people worldwide and can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health.

While getting poor sleep has become an accepted norm, even celebrated at times, people are tired. They frequently ask, “Why can’t I sleep?” because they can sense how it’s affecting every facet of their lives, from their ability to think clearly and be productive at work to their relationships and overall well-being. And people are desperate for answers.

What Is Insomnia?

Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by frequent (at least three days per week) difficulty falling or staying asleep. It can also manifest as consistently waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep. Having a hard time falling asleep leads to an overall feeling of fatigue, irritability, and inability to function at one’s best.

There are two primary types of insomnia: acute and chronic.

Acute insomnia lasts for a short period of time, usually a few days or weeks, and is often caused by stress, jet lag, or other temporary factors. Chronic insomnia, on the other hand, lasts for at least three months and can be caused by underlying medical conditions, medications, or psychological issues.

Why Sleep Matters

A good night’s sleep cannot be stressed enough. While we may have been conditioned to view it as a non-essential activity in the name of hustle and productivity, our bodies and brains rely on 7 to 9 hours of sleep to function properly. During sleep, our bodies repair and regenerate cells; our brain consolidates memories and processes information.

Lack of sleep (6 hours of sleep or less each night) can lead to serious health problems – from simple irritability and difficulty concentrating to more serious issues like depression, anxiety, and even heart disease. It can also weaken our immune system and make us more susceptible to illnesses.

The Modern Causes of Insomnia

In today’s fast-paced world, numerous factors contribute to insomnia:

Stress: Constant pressure from work or personal life can create a never-ending cycle of racing thoughts that keep us up at night.
Technology: The blue light emitted from our devices can suppress melatonin production, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. This disruption to our natural 24-hour sleep-wake cycle can make falling and staying asleep difficult.
Poor Sleep Habits: Irregular sleep schedules, excessive caffeine consumption, and lack of exercise can all contribute to insomnia.
Medications: Certain medications, such as those for allergies, high blood pressure, and depression, can interfere with sleep.
Medical Conditions: Restless leg syndrome, chronic pain, depression (or other mental health disorders), asthma, gastrointestinal issues, and other medical conditions can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Poor Health Habits: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and unhealthy eating habits can all affect our sleep quality.

Other Causes of Insomnia

In addition to the more commonly known causes, some lesser-known factors can contribute to insomnia:

Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormones during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause can disrupt sleep patterns.
Shift Work: People who work night or rotating shifts often struggle to maintain a regular sleep schedule.
Genetics: Certain genetic factors can make individuals more prone to developing insomnia.
Relationship Woes: Negative interactions with partners during the day can lead to poor sleep at night.
A Hot Shower: Taking one too close to bedtime can make sleeping hard since our body temps naturally drop at night to rest.
Heartburn: Eating spicy food or too much before bed.

How To Get Better Sleep

If you’re struggling with insomnia, there are steps you can take to encourage good sleep habits:

Establish a regular sleep schedule: Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Engage in calming activities like reading or meditation before going to bed. Avoid stimulating activities like watching TV or scrolling through social media.
Limit caffeine and alcohol consumption: Caffeine can stay in your system for up to 8 hours, so try to avoid it after noon. While alcohol may help you fall asleep initially, it can disrupt your sleep later on in the night.
Make sure your bedroom is conducive to sleep: Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature.
Avoid eating heavy or spicy meals before bed: This can cause discomfort and make it difficult to fall asleep. Carb-heavy foods close to bedtime will also lead to a sugar crash in the middle of the night, making it hard to stay asleep.
Try herbal remedies: Chamomile tea, valerian root, and lavender are known to help promote relaxation and sleep.
Seek medical advice: If your insomnia persists for more than a few weeks or affects your quality of life, seek guidance from a healthcare professional. They can provide further recommendations or may refer you to a specialist, such as a cognitive behavioral therapist, if necessary.

Relaxation Strategies for Bedtime

Adding one or two of these strategies to your nightly routine can make a big difference in helping the body relax.

Deep Breathing or Cyclical Breathing: Place one hand on the belly and one on the chest while focusing on the air moving in and out of the lungs. (The most simple yet powerful tool here.)
Meditation: Guided meditation or mindfulness practices can help quiet the mind and relax the body.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tension is released from different muscle groups in the body one at a time, promoting overall relaxation.
Visualization Techniques: Imagining a peaceful and calming scenario can help induce sleepiness.
Mantras: Repeating a calming phrase or word can help calm the mind and promote relaxation.
Play a Word Game: Focusing on simple tasks like forming words from random letters can help distract the mind from racing thoughts.
Reading: Engaging in a light read can help unwind the mind and prepare for sleep.
White Noise: Sounds like rain, waves, or white noise machines can create a soothing atmosphere to help you drift off to sleep.
Listening to Music: Slow and calming music can help quiet the mind and promote relaxation.
Gentle Yoga or Stretching: Light stretching or gentle yoga poses can help release tension in the body and promote relaxation.

How to Fine-Tune Your Sleep Habits

Getting enough quality sleep is crucial for our overall health and well-being. Sleep hygiene, focusing on both quantity and quality, can be a game changer. These final tips will help fine-tune your sleep sanctuary and help you sleep like a baby.

Sleep Environment

Temperature: The ideal room temperature for sleep is 60-67 degrees Fahrenheit.
Lighting: Keep your bedroom as dark as possible. Use blackout curtains if needed, or wear an eye mask to block out any light.
Noise: If you live in a noisy area, consider using earplugs or a white noise machine to drown out any disruptive sounds.

Comfort

Mattress and pillows: Invest in a high-quality mattress and pillows that properly support your body.
Bedding: Use comfortable, breathable bedding to ensure you stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
Pajamas: Changing into something (or nothing) before bed is a great trigger to the brain and body that sleep is near.

Daily Habits

Shoot for at least 30 minutes of exposure to natural light each day to regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle.
Exercise regularly, but aim to finish at least 2 hours before bedtime.
Avoid heavy meals (2 hours), caffeine (8 hours), and alcohol (4 hours) before bedtime.
Practice stress management and mindfulness to build perseverance and resilience against life’s difficulties.

When getting good sleep becomes a priority, your daily habits will begin to support this goal automatically. With a little effort and consistency, you can improve your sleep quality and reap the benefits of a well-rested mind and body.

Insomnia FAQ: Why Can’t I Sleep?

Why is my body not letting me sleep?

Lack of sleep can be extremely stressful. There are many possible reasons for this, including poor sleep hygiene, anxiety, hormonal changes, or underlying medical conditions. Identifying the root cause and addressing it to improve sleep is important.

Is insomnia a mental disorder?

No, insomnia is not considered a mental disorder on its own. However, it is often a symptom of underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.

Can certain foods cause insomnia?

Yes, certain foods such as spicy, fatty, or sugary foods can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep. Caffeine and alcohol consumption close to bedtime can also lead to insomnia.

How do I know if I have insomnia?

If you consistently have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and feeling unrefreshed, you may be experiencing insomnia. It’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine if you have insomnia and address any underlying causes.

Is medication necessary for treating insomnia?

Medication is not always necessary for treating insomnia. In some cases, lifestyle changes and relaxation techniques can improve sleep quality. However, in severe cases, a doctor may prescribe medication to help regulate sleep patterns. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any medication for insomnia.

Why can’t I sleep even if I try?

There can be many reasons why you may still have difficulty falling asleep, even after trying relaxation techniques and adjusting your sleep habits. It’s important to address any underlying factors, such as stress, anxiety, or an untreated medical condition that could be causing insomnia.

This article originally appeared on Wealth of Geeks.