What contributes to insomnia and what can help?

Insomnia disturbs our work and our relationships, and it impairs our ability to function well. Insomnia has effects on all aspects of our lives.

What Contributes to Insomnia?
Insomnia is a complex problem with a variety of causes. Sometimes several factors together can contribute to insomnia. Among these are:

Environmental factors. Noise, light, or even your mattress can be causing sleep problems.
Psychological problems. Stress, anxiety, depression, and other emotional difficulties can be related to insomnia.
Lifestyle issues. Using alcohol or caffeine or even napping during the day or exercising at night can impair your sleep.
Physical factors. Anything from pain to hormone shifts to involuntary movements (such as restless leg syndrome) may be linked to sleep disturbances.
Medication side effects. Certain drugs, such as decongestants and some high blood pressure medications, can cause sleeping difficulties.

What Can Help
If you think you have a sleep disorder, talk to your doctor. After your doctor determines your diagnosis, you can consider these treatment options together:

Follow your doctor's recommendations about managing the medical conditions that may be affecting your sleep.
Make lifestyle changes—such as eliminating or restricting caffeine and alcohol—that will help you sleep better.
Employ some sleep tips—such as following a regular sleeping schedule—to improve your sleep.
Try behavioral treatments—such as relaxation training or sleep restriction therapy—to help change sleep-stealing patterns.