Insomnia (cont.)
Outlook
Secondary insomnia often resolves or improves without treatment if
you can eliminate its cause. This is especially true if the problem can be
corrected soon after it starts. Better sleep habits and lifestyle changes often
help relieve insomnia. You may need to see a doctor or sleep specialist to get
the best relief for insomnia that is persistent or for which the cause of the
sleep problem is unclear.
What Causes Insomnia?
Causes of Secondary Insomnia
Secondary insomnia is
often a symptom of an emotional, neurological, or other medical disorder, or of
another sleep disorder.
The emotional disorders that can cause secondary insomnia include depression,
anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's
disease are examples of common neurological disorders that can cause secondary
insomnia.
A number of other diseases and conditions can cause secondary insomnia,
including:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as heartburn
Sleep
disorders, such as restless legs syndrome, also can cause secondary insomnia. In
addition, secondary insomnia can be a side-effect of certain medicines or
commonly used substances, including:
- Caffeine or other stimulants
- Tobacco or other products with nicotine
- Alcohol
or other sedatives
Causes of Primary Insomnia
Primary insomnia is not due to another
medical or emotional condition and typically occurs for periods of at least 1
month. Whether some people are born with a greater chance of having insomnia is
not clear yet. A number of life changes can trigger primary insomnia, including:
- Major or long-lasting stress and emotional upset
- Travel or other factors such
as work schedules that disrupt your sleep routine
Even after these causes go
away, the insomnia might stay. Trouble sleeping may persist because of habits
formed to deal with the lack of sleep. These habits include taking naps,
worrying about sleep, or going to bed early.
Next: Who is at risk for insomnia? »
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From the Doctors at MedicineNet.com  |
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