What causes insomnia at night?
May 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Huang Shichang
Introduction
Generally, there are many causes of insomnia at night, with common factors including physiological, environmental, psychological, medication-related, and disease-related factors. For nighttime insomnia, it is recommended to take measures to improve sleep quality, such as ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment, maintaining regular sleep schedules, and avoiding caffeine and intense physical activity in the evening.
Generally, there are many causes of insomnia at night, with common factors including physiological factors, environmental factors, medication-related factors, epilepsy, heart failure, and others. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
Excessive daytime sleep can disrupt normal sleep rhythms. Additionally, consuming stimulants such as tea or coffee before bedtime may excite the brain, impairing sleep quality and leading to nighttime insomnia. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid drinking tea or coffee before sleep to establish healthy sleep habits.
2. Environmental Factors
Sudden changes in the sleep environment can also cause nighttime insomnia. For example, unexpected noise or bright light during sleep may negatively affect sleep quality. Using earplugs or bringing a familiar pillow may help improve sleep.
3. Medication Factors
Certain medications or drug abuse may interfere with sleep. Some individuals who take medications long-term may find it difficult to fall asleep at night due to dependency on these drugs, such as diazepam tablets, alprazolam tablets, or right-zopiclone tablets. After discontinuing these medications, withdrawal symptoms may occur, leading to persistent insomnia during this period. It is recommended to gradually reduce the dosage under a doctor’s supervision rather than stopping abruptly.
4. Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Abnormal electrical discharges during epileptic episodes can easily disrupt sleep quality and structure, resulting in insomnia, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, and other issues. Conversely, altered sleep patterns can also increase seizure frequency, creating a vicious cycle. Under medical guidance, sedative or hypnotic medications such as diazepam tablets, estazolam tablets, or alprazolam tablets may be used to aid sleep.
5. Heart Failure
Heart failure is primarily caused by impaired cardiac function, often manifesting as chest tightness and shortness of breath. Its impact on sleep is mainly seen in difficulty lying flat and episodes of breathing difficulties, both of which can hinder falling asleep. Under medical supervision, medications such as Tianmeng Oral Liquid, estazolam tablets, or Bushen Anshen Oral Liquid may be used to improve sleep quality.
To address nighttime insomnia, it is recommended to adopt measures that enhance sleep quality—such as ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, maintaining regular sleep schedules, avoiding caffeine and intense physical activity in the evening—which can collectively help reduce the occurrence of nighttime insomnia.
