What is insomnia, Insomnia definition, Insomnia meaning

Causes of chronic insomnia

It is early morning and you are awake for a long time. Tried many things - counted sheeps, read a boring novel - but sleep looking like a far away dream. Unfortunately this is not just one day affair for many, perhaps most of the day they suffer in a similar fashion. This is all because of chronic insomnia.

When a person has trouble sleeping for a month or longer, he or she may have chronic insomnia.

What causes chronic insomnia?

Emotional disorders

Many cases of chronic insomnia cases have a psychologic or psychiatric basis. The disorders that most often cause insomnia are:
  • Anxiety
  • Depression; sleep abnormalities are an integral part of depressive disorders, with more than 90% of depressed patients experiencing insomnia
  • Bipolar disorder

Brain chemicals and harmones

Abnormal levels of certain brain chemicals have been observed in some people with chronic insomnia.
  • Melatonin: Low levels of melatonin, the hormone secreted by the pineal gland, have sometimes been observed in chronic insomnia.
  • Stress Hormones: Some studies have reported persistently high levels of stress hormones, particularly cortisol, in people with chronic insomnia, particularly insomnia related to aging and psychiatric disorders. High levels of cortisol reduce REM sleep. However, a 2003 study of people with chronic insomnia reported that cortisol levels were high only when their sleep was of poor quality. When they slept well, levels were lower. This study and other research suggests that high levels of stress hormones are caused by poor sleep, rather than being the cause.
  • Growth Hormone: Normal aging is associated with a blunting of regular, cyclical surges of growth hormone, which may affect sleep as one gets older. This hormone, which is normally secreted in the late night, is associated not only with growth but with deep, slow-wave sleep. (Older people generally have less slow-wave sleep.)

Shift work

Shift work throws off the body''s circadian rhythm and may lead to chronic insomnia.

Alcohol overuse

An estimated 10 -15% of chronic insomnia cases result from substance abuse, especially alcohol, cocaine, and sedatives. One or two alcoholic drinks at dinner, for most people, pose little danger of alcoholism and may help reduce stress and initiate sleep. Excess alcohol or alcohol used to promote sleep, however, tends to fragment sleep and cause wakefulness a few hours later. It also increases the risk for other sleep disorders, including sleep apnea and restless legs.

Low immune system

Chronic insomnia occurs in people who have persistently high levels of stress hormones and a shift in the levels of certain immune factors. Studies indicate that people with chronic insomnia have higher levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor during the day, but lower levels at night. These immune factors, called cytokines, cause symptoms of fatigue. Levels are usually higher at night in people with healthy sleep. The implications of these immune changes in people with insomnia are not known.

Medical conditions

  • Nightly Leg Problems: Leg disorders that occur at night, such as restless legs syndrome or leg cramps, are of special note. They are very common and an important cause of insomnia, particularly in older people.
  • Medical Problems: Among the many medical problems that can cause chronic insomnia are allergies, arthritis, cancer, fibromyalgia, heart disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), hypertension, asthma, emphysema, rheumatologic conditions, Alzheimer''s disease, Parkinson''s disease, hyperthyroidism, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
  • Medications: Among the many medications that can cause insomnia are antidepressants (fluoxetine, bupropion), theophylline, lamotrigine, felbamate, beta-blockers, and beta-agonists.
 

You are here  : Home Causes Causes of chronic insomnia