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Chronic insomnia: causes and treatment


Studies have shown that at present, one in three people suffer from sleep disorders. 45% of people aged 25 to 35 also consider that they sleep less than they should. Regarding insomnia, one of the most worrying sleep disorders, 16% of adults say they are affected. We are also talking here about chronic insomnia and not episodes that can occur during periods of stress.

Concretely, insomnia is therefore a disorder that reduces the duration but also the quality of sleep during the night. If it often occurs temporarily, it can also become chronic and have a lasting impact on the daily life of the person who suffers from it. But what are the causes of insomnia? How to overcome ?

What are the causes of insomnia

It is rather complex to treat insomnia because of the causes, which can be multiple. Sometimes easy to identify, they can be more nuanced and complicate the diagnosis.

  • A psychological cause : a state of intense stress can quite favor insomnia. A concrete example: if you have to take an exam or a job interview, you may not be able to sleep the nights before D-Day. That said, a permanently stressed person will also have their sleep impacted. In this, depression and anxiety can be the root cause of insomnia.
  • From bad eating habits : as we know, diet has an impact on sleep. It is for this reason that specialists recommend eating light in the evening and avoiding stimulants. Logically, overconsumption of coffee or alcohol, for example, or even foods that are too fatty or too heavy to digest, can also cause insomnia.
  • a specific treatment : Unfortunately, some treatments can also promote loss or deterioration of sleep.
  • From health problems : Some diseases directly affect sleep and are therefore likely to cause episodes of insomnia. Mention may in particular be made of hyperthyroidism, osteoarthritis, diabetes, allergies, etc.
  • a shifted schedule : It has been observed that people who work at night or who regularly change their schedule, in the context of 3/8 for example, or health professions, are also more likely to suffer from insomnia.
  • A temperature too high in the bedroom: Sleep experts recommend sleeping in a bedroom with a temperature between 18 and 20 degrees. If it is too hot, there is a good chance that not only will it be more difficult to fall asleep, but that sleep will also be deteriorated.
  • A poor lifestyle : if the diet is to be monitored, it is also advisable to ensure the good quality of its sleep by regularly practicing a sporting activity. The good news is that you don’t need to run a marathon a week. We can thus simply favor the stairs, go to work on foot or by bike, etc.
  • A tired bedding : to sleep well night after night, it is essential to be able to count on good bedding. A worn mattress or an overly old box spring can be the source of insomnia.
Difficulties of insomnia represented by a dog under a duvet

How to cure insomnia?

To treat insomnia correctly and effectively, it is first necessary to target the cause of the latter. First of all, we must ensure the good quality of the bedding. Today, mattresses can be very comfortable and affordable and allow relieve pressure points and of promote sleep faster and better quality sleep.

If the insomnia comes from an overconsumption of stimulants or a lack of physical activity, it suffices to correct the situation. If the insomnia is due to anxiety or stress, it may be good to focus on activities such as yoga or relaxation therapy.

As a rule, insomnia is closely linked to a pathology. In this, certain treatments can help and allow to find a quality sleep. A change in diet and a healthier lifestyle are also highly likely to improve things and set the stage for a return to peaceful sleep.

If the insomnia comes from an illness or has been entrenched for a long time, it is essential to consult a doctor. The latter will be able to identify the source of the problem and recommend appropriate and therefore relevant solutions.

Is it possible to prevent insomnia?

The good news is that it is perfectly possible to limit the risk of insomnia by adopting simple daily actions. Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day, for example, helps a lot. You should sleep on a comfortable mattress, neither too firm nor too soft, expose yourself sufficiently to natural light during the day, avoid prolonged exposure to blue light from screens at night, avoid consuming stimulants from the end afternoon, play sports, relax and why not take a lukewarm shower or bath before going to bed.

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