Why can't I always fall asleep and why do I keep having insomnia?
May 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
In general, there are many reasons for chronic insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. Common factors include physiological issues, environmental influences, medication effects, anxiety disorders, depression, and others. To address persistent insomnia, one can establish a regular sleep schedule, maintain a quiet, cozy, and comfortable sleep environment, and use methods such as psychological counseling and relaxation training to alleviate anxiety and stress.
Generally, there are many reasons for chronic insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. Common contributing factors include physiological factors, environmental factors, medication use, anxiety disorders, depression, and others. Treatment should be tailored according to individual circumstances. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
Physiological factors such as age, gender, and changes in female hormone levels can contribute to insomnia. During the perimenopausal period, women often experience significant fluctuations in estrogen levels, which can affect mood regulation. This may manifest as restlessness or irritability before bedtime, leading to persistent insomnia. Engaging in moderate aerobic exercises such as walking, running, or swimming may help improve sleep quality.
2. Environmental Factors
The environment plays a crucial role in sleep quality. Long-term exposure to unfavorable living conditions—such as bright light or noise pollution—can lead to ongoing insomnia and reduced sleep quality. It is recommended to ensure good indoor ventilation, maintain a comfortable room temperature, draw curtains at bedtime, and create a dim, quiet environment conducive to sleep.
3. Medication Factors
Some individuals who take certain medications long-term may find it difficult to fall asleep at night due to drug dependence. Examples include diazepam tablets, alprazolam tablets, and eszopiclone tablets. After discontinuing these medications, withdrawal symptoms may occur, resulting in insomnia. It is advisable to taper off such medications gradually under medical supervision.
4. Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition characterized by excessive worry in daily life. Typical symptoms include emotional agitation or anxiety. As the condition progresses, sleep may be significantly affected—patients may feel restless before bedtime or have trouble falling asleep, potentially leading to severe insomnia. Treatment may include medications such as buspirone hydrochloride tablets, Shugan Jieyu capsules, or risperidone tablets, as prescribed by a physician.
5. Depression
Depression is a typical form of depressive disorder, with symptoms including low mood, loss of interest, and slowed thinking. When individuals with depression experience persistent sadness, imbalances in brain neurotransmitters occur, including decreased levels or impaired function of central nervous system neurotransmitters, which can result in chronic insomnia. Treatment options may include sertraline hydrochloride tablets, paroxetine hydrochloride tablets, or amitriptyline hydrochloride tablets, used under medical guidance.
To address chronic insomnia and difficulty sleeping, it is helpful to establish a regular sleep schedule, maintain a quiet, warm, and comfortable sleep environment, and engage in psychological counseling or relaxation training to reduce anxiety and stress, thereby improving sleep quality.
