Causes
Insomnia usually has an underlying cause. Common causes of insomnia include:
- medications such as decongestants, stimulants (e.g., methylphenidate) and some antidepressants
- nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol
- stress caused by work, family life, death or illness of a family member or friend, or financial difficulties
- anxiety or depression
- pain from arthritis of other medical conditions
- medical conditions such as reflux, prostate enlargement, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and stroke
- air travel, especially when traveling from west to east
- shift work
- poor sleep habits
- sleep problems such as sleep apnea
- not being active enough during the day
For some, no clear cause of the insomnia can be found.