Approximately 10% of the world’s population meets the medical criteria for insomnia disorder. This condition can prevent you from getting the full seven to nine hours of restful sleep you need to be healthy by causing you to have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. When you wake up, you may still feel groggy and tired, which can adversely affect your energy level, mood, decision-making abilities, and daily functioning. Understanding insomnia’s causes and symptoms are the first steps toward improving your sleep quality and overall well-being.
What Causes Insomnia?
Several factors can contribute to insomnia, ranging from lifestyle habits to medical conditions.
- Vitamin and hormone imbalances: Nutritional deficiencies and hormone imbalances can affect sleep patterns.
- Anxiety: Persistent worries or fears can make your mind race, preventing you from falling asleep or causing you to wake up several times during the night. People with anxiety disorders often struggle with vivid nightmares and even nighttime panic attacks.
- Work burnout: High levels of stress and overwork can lead to thoughts that keep you awake, disrupting normal sleep patterns.
- Depression: Insomnia can be a cause and a symptom of depression, creating a vicious cycle of sleeplessness and low mood.
- Other causes: Factors like poor sleep habits, consuming caffeine or alcohol before bedtime, and excessive screen time can also lead to insomnia.
Take the Insomnia Self-Test
If you suspect you might have insomnia, answering the following questions can help you determine whether it’s time to seek professional advice:
- Do you find it difficult to fall asleep at night?
- Do you frequently wake up during the night and have trouble going back to sleep?
- Do you wake up earlier than planned and cannot return to sleep?
- Do you feel fatigued or sluggish in the morning?
- Do you rely on sleeping pills or alcohol to fall asleep?
- Do you feel anxious, depressed, or irritable due to lack of sleep?
- Do you find it hard to concentrate on daily tasks because you are tired?
- Have you noticed a decrease in your performance at work or school due to sleep issues?
- Do you feel unrefreshed or not well-rested most mornings?
- Are you experiencing a decreased motivation or energy for activities you usually enjoy?
You may have insomnia if you answered yes to three or more of these questions, especially if these issues persist three nights a week for at least three months.
What Can You Do Next?
Here are some things you can do if you suspect you have insomnia.
- Consult your health provider: A professional can determine the cause of your insomnia and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Practice good sleep hygiene: Establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and electronics before bedtime can improve sleep quality.
- Consider therapy: Cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia is an evidence-based treatment that can help you address the thoughts and behaviors that affect your ability to sleep.
- Review your overall health: A comprehensive screening to check for vitamin deficiencies, hormone imbalances, and address anxiety or depression with a physician’s help can improve sleep issues.
Amend Wellness: Your Partner in Better Sleep
At Amend Wellness, we understand how vital a good night’s sleep is for your physical and mental health. Our team is here to help you address insomnia through a holistic approach that considers all aspects of your health and lifestyle. When you arrive at our retreat, you will receive an in-depth evaluation comparable to an annual physical. We also provide IV vitamin infusions, nutritional assessments, and hormone testing to balance your well-being and give you a foundation for healing.
If insomnia and related issues affect your quality of life, you don’t have to face sleepless nights alone. A stay in our private, luxurious wellness retreat will help you reset your life and reframe your approach to healing. Connect with us today to reserve your room and get answers to all your questions.