The Science Behind: Insomnia
Do you find yourself tossing and turning in your bed the whole night? Is it difficult staying asleep for long enough to feel refreshed the next morning? If so, you might have insomnia.
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is a chronic sleep disorder of the brain. In other words, if you have insomnia, you would have trouble falling asleep every night. Insomnia is not a one-time thing. Insomnia also includes not feeling like you’ve gotten enough sleep in the morning.
How does one develop insomnia?
Brain factors resulting in insomnia are:
Stress
Anxiety
Depression or other mental illnesses
Emotional and psychological factors resulting in insomnia are:
Anger
Worry
Grief
Trauma
Medical conditions resulting in insomnia are:
Arthritis
Low back pain
Asthma
Endocrine problems like hyperthyroidism, etc.
Excessive consumption of drugs, alcohol, or caffeine, or an overactive mind can also lead to insomnia.
Hormones that affect sleep and can cause insomnia if increased or decreased are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and melatonin.
GABA- If the amount of GABA is less in the brain, then it will create an imbalance of brain activity, and this may lead to an inability to sleep.
Melatonin- this hormone helps you to sleep, and it is released in the body in the evening and night. If there is a reduced amount of melatonin in your body, then you will not be able to sleep.
So, now you know why you can’t sleep at night. And remember, if you are often unable to sleep at night, it would be a good idea to consult a doctor.
I hope you liked reading this article! If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, let me know in the comment section below.
Until then, chill and relax 😎
Love,
Pihu
Sources
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/insomnia-causes-and-cures.htmhttp://sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/insomnia