Insomnia Risk Factors

Sleeplessness can be triggered by insomnia risk factors. For insomnia sufferers, knowing what these risk factors are is very important for the resolution of their insomnia.  Even if you don’t’ have insomnia knowing its risk factors can help prevent it from developing on certain members of your family particularly your children. A lot of children suffer form sleep disorders and poor sleep patterns that can result in adult insomnia in the future.  Some of these sleeping problems can include restless leg syndrome, difficulty in falling asleep, sleep walking and nightmares.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a risk factor for insomnia in a child and this condition often carries over into adulthood. Early resolution of these conditions can enable the child to beat his sleeplessness and make him function normally mentally, physically and emotionally.

Negative Thinking

Negative thinking is considered another risk factor for insomnia. Individuals who contain an inordinate amount of sadness or anger in them often find it hard to sleep compared to others.

Anxiety, Depression and Stress

Anxiety and stress are known risk factors in causing sleeplessness and people who are highly strung out are also highly likely to develop insomnia. Insomnia is more prevalent in Western society where competitiveness and productivity often drive society. All depressed individuals suffer from insomnia. Upsetting experiences like relationship breakups, death of a loved one can cause a person to experience sleepless nights. Anxious moments like moving to a new home or starting a new job can all cause insomnia. Addressing these problems can lead to the resolution of one’s insomnia as well.

Aging

It is a fact that older people find it hard to sleep or experience short or shallow sleep.  It is not true though that as one gets older, he or she requires less sleep.

Physical Conditions

Certain health problems can also make a person prone to developing insomnia. Some of these problems may include:

  • Hormonal problems
  • Migraines
  • Digestive problems
  • Muscular pain
  • Abdominal pain

For psychiatric or psychological disorders like depression or anxiety, medication is usually recommended to address the problem and regain regular sleep patterns.

Regardless of its cause, insomnia can be a potentially dangerous problem. If a person without anxiety has insomnia, chances are high it may generate anxiety in him. Insomnia can also sap the person’s psychological and physical energy. This can lead to a weak immune system and make him susceptible to illnesses like the flu, viruses and colds. These illnesses are becoming progressively more and more severe over the years making insomnia a problem that should be taken seriously.