• You're a woman: Hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle and in menopause may play a role. During menopause, night sweats and hot flashes often disrupt sleep. Insomnia is also common with pregnancy.
• You're over age 60: Because of changes in sleep patterns and health, insomnia increases with age.
• You have a mental health disorder or physical health condition: Many issues that impact your mental or physical health can disrupt sleep.
• You're under a lot of stress: Stressful times and events can cause temporary insomnia. And major or long-lasting stress can lead to chronic insomnia.
• You don't have a regular schedule. For example, changing shifts at work or traveling can disrupt your sleep-wake cycle.
Complications:
Sleep is as important to your health as a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Whatever your reason for sleep loss, insomnia can affect you both mentally and physically. People with insomnia report a lower quality of life compared with people who are sleeping well.
• Lower performance on the job or at school
• Slowed reaction time while driving and a higher risk of accidents
• Mental health disorders, such as depression, an anxiety disorder or substance abuse
• Increased risk and severity of long-term diseases or conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart disease
Courtesy: Mayo Clinic
