Insomnia and Its Impact on Physical and Mental Health

Insomnia has many different causes. Some of the main ones include:

– Stress
– Irregular sleep schedules
– Lifestyle
– Mental health disorders
– Physical pain
– Medications
– Neurological disorders
– Age
– Other sleep disorders
– Pregnancy

Insomnia can have a profound impact on both physical and mental health in many ways. Not being able to get enough quality sleep each night greatly impedes one’s cognitive abilities and mental capabilities, such as focus, memory, attention, and alertness. In terms of physical health, insomnia can cause slow reaction times (which is also tied into mental health), and it reduces the body’s ability to heal itself. This can result in longer injury and illness durations and an increased susceptibility to disease. The longer the sleep deprivation from insomnia goes on, the more severe the symptoms will be.

There are several different types of insomnia; each type is characterized by its duration, symptoms, effects on life, and underlying cause. The types of insomnia are:

– Acute Insomnia — The most common type of insomnia, acute insomnia is short-term, lasting from a few days to a few weeks. Acute insomnia can also be caused by:
– stress
– environmental factors that disrupt sleep (noise, light)
– sleeping in an unfamiliar bed or surroundings
– physical discomfort, such as pain
– being unable to assume a comfortable position
– certain medications
– illness
– jet lag

– Chronic Insomnia — If trouble sleeping occurs at least three days per week for a minimum of one month, insomnia is considered chronic. Chronic insomnia can be primary or secondary. Primary chronic insomnia does not have an obvious cause, whereas secondary insomnia is caused by another condition. Common causes of chronic insomnia include:
1. Chronic medical conditions, such as:
– Diabetes
– Parkinson’s disease
– Hyperthyroidism
– Obstructive and central sleep apnea
2. Mental health conditions, such as:
– Depression
– Anxiety
– Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
3. Medications, including:
– Chemotherapy drugs
– Antidepressants
– Beta blockers
4. Caffeine and other stimulants, such as:
– Nicotine
– Amphetamines
5. Alcohol and other substances
6. Lifestyle factors, including:
– Frequent travel and jet lag
– Rotating shift work
– Napping

– Onset Insomnia — Onset insomnia, which can be short term or chronic, is trouble falling asleep. Causes of onset insomnia include:
1. Psychological issues, including stress, anxiety, or depression
2. Another sleep disorder, such as:
– Restless leg syndrome
– Periodic limb movement disorder
3. Caffeine and other stimulants

– Maintenance Insomnia — Maintenance insomnia is defined as difficulty staying asleep and/or having trouble getting back to sleep after waking up too early. Maintenance insomnia can be caused by:
1. Mental health conditions, such as depression
2. Other medical conditions that can disturb your sleep and cause you to wake up, such as:
– Gastroesophageal reflux disease
– Sleep apnea
– Asthma and other respiratory conditions
– Restless leg syndrome
– Periodic limb movement disorder

Insomnia is a condition that has far-reaching effects on mental and physical health. It can have a significant impact on one’s quality of life, leading to fatigue, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and a weakened immune system. Additionally, it can have an adverse effect on job performance, social relationships, and overall well-being. As such, understanding the complexities of insomnia is essential in order to identify its causes and develop effective treatments.

Insomnia can be difficult to live with, but the dedicated sleep team at Koala® Center For Sleep & TMJ Disorders are here to help you get a good night’s rest. With our seven US locations, we serve patients from all across the country: we have one in Kansas City, MO; one in El Paso, TX; one in Wausau, WI; one in Mishawaka, IN; one in Bloomington, IL; and one in Peoria – Dunlap, IL. Schedule an appointment at any of our locations today to receive high quality care from top-rated dedicated sleep team. We look forward to serving you!