Why do I have insomnia every time the day before going out, and what can I do about it?

Generally, insomnia the night before each trip may be caused by changes in sleep environment, excessive excitement, anticipatory anxiety, sleep apnea, or insomnia disorder. If physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific explanations are as follows:

1. Changes in Sleep Environment

When traveling, individuals enter a new environment where noise levels, lighting, temperature, and bed comfort may differ from their usual surroundings. These differences can affect sleep quality and lead to insomnia. It is recommended to practice relaxation techniques before bedtime, such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle stretching exercises, to improve sleep.

2. Excessive Excitement

Anticipation of an upcoming trip or event may cause excitement. When overly excited, the brain remains highly active for extended periods, making it difficult to fall asleep and resulting in insomnia. Therefore, insomnia the night before every trip may be due to excessive excitement. This can be alleviated through pre-sleep relaxation activities such as soaking feet in warm water, listening to soft music, or diverting attention.

3. Anticipatory Anxiety

Before traveling or attending important events, people may worry about unknown situations or potential problems. This fear of the unknown can trigger anxiety, leading to insomnia. Thus, recurring pre-travel insomnia may stem from anticipatory anxiety. Planning trips or events in advance can help reduce uncertainty and lower anxiety levels.

4. Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep. Chronic sleep apnea disrupts normal sleep cycles, causing frequent awakenings and reducing sleep quality, which may result in insomnia. Therefore, insomnia before each trip could be caused by sleep apnea. Patients should follow medical advice and may use medications such as vitamin B6 tablets, methylprednisolone tablets, or hydrocortisone injection under doctor's supervision to alleviate symptoms.

5. Insomnia Disorder

Insomnia disorder is a sleep disturbance caused by physiological, psychological, or environmental factors, characterized by persistently inadequate sleep quality or duration. Individuals with insomnia disorder often experience fragmented sleep and difficulty reaching deep sleep stages, leading to chronic insomnia. Hence, consistent pre-travel insomnia might be attributed to underlying insomnia disorder. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as diazepam tablets, estazolam tablets, or Anshen Bunao Liquid for treatment.

In daily life, it is recommended to consume foods rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals—such as eggs, lean meat, tomatoes, and apples—to provide essential energy and support overall health.