Anxiety can cause insomnia, and insomnia can cause anxiety.

 

What Is Insomnia?
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling and or staying asleep.
The condition can be short-term (acute) or can last a long time (chronic).

It may also come and go.
Acute insomnia lasts from 1 night to a few weeks.

Insomnia is chronic when it happens at least 3 nights a week for 3 months or more.

 

Types of Insomnia

 

1. Primary insomnia:

This means your sleep problems aren’t linked to any other health condition or problem;

 

2. Secondary insomnia:
This means you have trouble sleeping because of a health condition (like asthma, depression, arthritis, cancer, or heartburn); pain; medication; or substance use (like alcohol).

 

 

Insomnia Risk Factors

 

Insomnia affects women more than men and older people more than younger ones;
Young and middle age African Americans also have a higher risk.

Insomnia Complications

 

Our bodies and brains need sleep so they can repair themselves.
It's also crucial for learning and keeping memories.

If insomnia is keeping you awake, you could have:

1. A higher risk of health problems like high blood pressure, obesity, and depression;
2. A higher risk of falling, if you’re an older woman;
3. Trouble focusing;
4. Anxiety;
5. Grumpiness;
6. Slow reaction time that can lead to a car crash.

 

 

Mental health disorders.
Anxiety disorders, such as post traumatic stress disorder, may disrupt your sleep.
Awakening too early can be a sign of depression.

Insomnia often occurs with other mental health disorders as well.
 

Insomnia Causes

 

Stress related to big life events, like a job loss or change, the death of a loved one, divorce, or moving;
Things around you like noise, light, or temperature;
Changes to your sleep schedule like jet lag, a new shift at work, or bad habits you picked up when you had other sleep problems.

 

Poor sleep habits.
Poor sleep habits include an irregular bedtime schedule, naps, stimulating activities before bed.

Computers, TVs, video games, smartphones or other screens just before bed can interfere with your sleep cycle.

 

Travel or work schedule.
Disrupting your body's circadian rhythms can lead to insomnia.
Causes include jet lag from traveling across multiple time zones, working a late or early shift, or frequently changing shifts.

Eating too much late in the evening.
Having a light snack before bedtime is ok, but eating too much may cause you to feel physically uncomfortable while lying down.

 

Good sleep habits can help prevent insomnia and promote sound sleep:

1.Keep your bedtime and wake time consistent from day to day, including weekend;
2.Stay active regular activity helps promote a good night's sleep;
3.Avoid or limit naps;
4.Avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol, and don't use nicotine;
5. Avoid large meals and beverages before bedtime;
6.Make your bedroom comfortable for sleep and only use it for sex or sleep;
7.Create a relaxing bedtime ritual, such as taking a warm bath, reading or listening to soft music.