Insomnia

Insomnia is being unable to fall asleep because of worries, excitement, nervous tension or pain. A lack of sleep can lead to sluggishness and irritable behavior as well as a reduced ability to deal with stress and other emotional pressures.

Common reasons:

• Stimulants like caffeine in tea, coffee, chocolate and cola
• Antihistamines including the herb ephedra
• Eating late in the evening – it provides energy which can keep you awake
• Exercising late in the evening will cause wakefulness
• Withdrawal symptoms from alcohol – dehydration can cause waking in the night
• Shift work/jet lag/napping during the day
• Illnesses that cause pain or discomfort at night – emphysema, heart failure and restless leg syndrome
• An overactive thyroid – increases metabolism and causes difficulty in falling asleep
• Sleep apnea