Why does sleeplessness occur?

Answer 1

Symptoms of insomnia can be caused by or can be co-morbid with:

• Use of psychoactive drugs or stimulants, including certain medications, herbs, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine, amphetamines, methylphenidate, MDMA and modafinil
• Use of fluoroquinolone antibiotic drugs, see fluoroquinolone toxicity, associated with more severe and chronic types of insomnia
• Restless Legs Syndrome, which can cause sleep onset insomnia due to the discomforting sensations felt and the need to move the legs or other body parts to relieve these sensations.
• Periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD), which occurs during sleep and can cause arousals that the sleeper is unaware of.
• Pain An injury or condition that causes pain can preclude an individual from finding a comfortable position in which to fall asleep, and can in addition cause awakening.
• Hormone shifts such as those that precede menstruation and those during menopause
• Life events such as fear, stress, anxiety, emotional or mental tension, work problems, financial stress, birth of a child and bereavement.
• Mental disorders such as Bipolar disorder, clinical depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia, obsessive compulsive disorder, Dementia or Excessive Alcohol intake.
• Disturbances of the circadian rhythm, such as shift work and jet lag, can cause an inability to sleep at some times of the day and excessive sleepiness at other times of the day. Chronic circadian rhythm disorders are characterized by similar symptoms.
• Certain neurological disorders, brain lesions, or a history of traumatic brain injury
• Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism and rheumatoid arthritis
• Abuse of over-the counter or prescription sleep aids can produce rebound insomnia
• Poor sleep hygiene, e.g., noise
• Parasomnias, which include such disruptive sleep events as nightmares, sleepwalking, night terrors, violent behavior while sleeping, and REM behavior disorder, in which the physical body moves in response to events within dreams
• A rare genetic condition can cause a prion-based, permanent and eventually fatal form of insomnia called fatal familial insomnia.
• Physical exercise. Exercise-induced insomnia is common in athletes, causing prolonged sleep onset latency.

Answer 2

Sleeplessness, or insomnia, can occur due to various factors such as stress, anxiety, depression, poor sleep habits, certain medications, or medical conditions. It can also result from lifestyle choices like consuming caffeine or alcohol close to bedtime, or having an irregular sleep schedule. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is important in managing sleeplessness.