What causes insomnia at night?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Zhiqin
Introduction
In general, insomnia at night may be caused by using electronic devices before bedtime, poor sleep environment, excessive stress, endocrine disorders, depression, or other reasons. It is important to create a quiet, dim, and comfortable sleeping environment, and to maintain moderate physical activities such as walking, jogging, or swimming, which can help improve sleep quality. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
Generally, nighttime insomnia may be caused by using electronic devices before bedtime, poor sleep environment, excessive stress, endocrine disorders, or depression. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Using electronic devices before bedtime
Blue light from electronic devices such as smartphones and computers can suppress melatonin secretion, affecting sleep quality at night. It is advisable to avoid using electronic devices before bedtime; instead, reading a printed book or listening to soft music can help relax the body.
2. Poor sleep environment
Excessively bright bedroom lighting or abnormal room temperature can inhibit melatonin secretion, making it difficult to fall asleep at night. Installing blackout curtains or using an eye mask to block light, along with adjusting the bedroom temperature to a comfortable range, may help.
3. Excessive stress
High levels of stress may activate the brain's stress response system, increasing cortisol levels in the body and disrupting normal sleep cycles, leading to nighttime insomnia. Establishing regular lifestyle habits and avoiding caffeine intake and electronic device use at night are recommended.
4. Endocrine disorders
Endocrine imbalances are usually caused by improper diet or nutrient deficiencies. Such imbalances can reduce melatonin levels, resulting in nighttime insomnia, often accompanied by symptoms like fatigue and memory decline. Medications such as Wuling Capsules, Bailleimian Capsules, or Anshen Bunao Liquid may be used under medical guidance for treatment.
5. Depression
Depression may result from genetic factors, excessive life stress, or lack of social support. It affects the balance of neurotransmitters, leading to reduced sleep quality and nighttime insomnia, commonly accompanied by low mood and fatigue. Medications such as Fluoxetine Hydrochloride Capsules, Venlafaxine Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Tablets, or Fluvoxamine Maleate Tablets may be prescribed under medical supervision.
In daily life, creating a quiet, dim, and comfortable sleep environment and maintaining moderate physical activity—such as walking, jogging, or swimming—can help improve sleep quality.
