Causes
Insomnia usually has an underlying cause. Common causes of insomnia include:
- air travel, especially when traveling from west to east (jet lag)
- anxiety or depression
- medical conditions such as reflux, prostate enlargement, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke
- medications such as decongestants, stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate*) and some antidepressants
- nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol
- not being active enough during the day
- pain from arthritis or other medical conditions
- poor sleep habits
- shift work
- sleep problems such as sleep apnea
- stress caused by work, family life, death or illness of a family member or friend, or financial difficulties