Worrying about not getting enough sleep can lead to even more sleep deprivation.

It regulates sleep cycles, body temperature, and metabolism. This is the 24-hour biochemical, physiological, and behavioral cycle that exposure to sunlight affects. Shift work or long-distance travel can affect your body’s circadian rhythm. Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterized by loud snoring and brief pauses in breathing. This is a crawling sensation in the lower part of the legs that only movement can relieve. Sleep disordersĬommon sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome, can disturb sleep. They found this pattern in both men and women and across all age and ethnic groups. The obesity rate for those who sleep seven to eight hours per night is 22 percent. Adults who sleep less than six hours per night have an obesity rate of 33 percent. Sleep issues are associated with chronic medical conditions or their symptoms, such as:Īccording to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sleep disorders are linked to obesity. Medical conditionsĪ host of medical conditions can contribute to insomnia. The deep stages of sleep are necessary for adequate rest. Nicotine in tobacco is another stimulant that can inhibit sleep.Īlcohol is a sedative that may help you fall asleep initially, but it will prevent deeper stages of sleep and make you toss and turn. Drinking coffee in the late afternoon can keep you from falling asleep at night. This stimulation can interfere with sleep. These drinks often contain caffeine, which stimulates the brain:

Many prescription drugs can disrupt your sleep patterns. Antihistamines may make you drowsy at first, but they can lead to frequent urination, which can then disturb sleep by causing more nighttime trips to the bathroom. Pain medications, decongestants, and weight-loss products can contain caffeine or other stimulants. MedicationsĪ number of over-the-counter medications can cause insomnia. According to the Mayo Clinic, some estimates suggest that nearly half of all men and women over 60 years old experience symptoms of insomnia. They may need to nap during the day to get the recommended eight hours of sleep over a 24-hour period. Older adults often have trouble with sustained sleep over an eight-hour period. Insomnia increases with age as your sleep patterns change. Experts believe a lack of estrogen may contribute to sleep difficulties in postmenopausal females. Insomnia often occurs during the time leading up to menopause, referred to as perimenopause, when night sweats and hot flashes commonly disturb sleep. Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle and in menopause are thought to be responsible for sleeplessness. Sexįemales are twice as likely to experience insomnia as males. Bipolar disorder, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder can all cause sleep problems. Insomnia can be a common symptom of other mood disorders. Alternately, you may be too distressed by fears or troubling thoughts, which may prevent you from getting a good night’s sleep. This may be due to a chemical imbalance in the brain that affects sleep patterns. Depressionĭepression is a common source of insomnia. These conditions can lead to chronic sleeplessness. Traumatic events like the death of a loved one, divorce, or job loss often cause long-lasting stress and anxiety. This can make it difficult or impossible for you to sleep. Issues at work or school or with family can make you anxious. Worries can keep your mind active at night. Causes and risk factors Stress and anxiety

Insomnia from coffee