What's wrong with being unable to sleep?
Sep 16, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, the main causes of insomnia include irregular sleep patterns, mental stress, neurasthenia, anxiety disorders, and sleep apnea syndrome. If experiencing discomfort or symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a regular hospital. In daily life, one should maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late; properly manage and relieve stress, maintaining emotional stability; and avoid drinking coffee or strong tea before bedtime.
Generally, the main causes of insomnia include irregular sleep schedules, high mental stress, neurasthenia, anxiety disorders, and sleep apnea syndrome. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. Specific analysis is as follows:
1. Irregular Sleep Schedule
Long-term熬夜, traveling across time zones, and other activities that disrupt the biological clock can lead to disordered brain sleep rhythms, making it difficult to fall asleep. Maintain a fixed bedtime and wake-up time every day—even on weekends—avoid electronic devices one hour before sleep, and create a quiet sleeping environment.
2. High Mental Stress
Work- or life-related stress can keep the brain in a constant state of excitement, cause nervous tension, and suppress the sleep center, leading to difficulty falling asleep. Soaking feet before bed, listening to soothing music, communicating with family or friends to release emotions, and avoiding excessive thinking before bedtime may help relieve stress.
3. Neurasthenia
Prolonged mental stress can lead to neurological dysfunction and an imbalance between excitation and inhibition in the cerebral cortex, manifesting as difficulty falling asleep and frequent awakenings. Medications such as oryzanol tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or Anshen Bunao Liquid may be taken under medical guidance. Maintain regular作息 and avoid overexertion.
4. Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety increases sympathetic nervous system activity, causing persistent worry and rumination in the brain, making relaxation difficult and resulting in trouble falling asleep and light sleep. Medications such as buspirone hydrochloride tablets, lorazepam tablets, or alprazolam tablets may be prescribed under medical supervision, along with psychological counseling and training in relaxation techniques.
5. Sleep Apnea Syndrome
Narrowing or obstruction of the upper airway restricts airflow during sleep, causing repeated episodes of breath-holding and oxygen deprivation, which disrupt the sleep cycle and result in difficulty falling asleep and morning fatigue. Obese individuals should lose weight and adopt side-sleeping positions. In severe cases, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP) surgery may be required, followed by regular postoperative follow-ups.
In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule and avoid staying up late; manage stress appropriately and keep emotions stable; avoid consuming coffee or strong tea before bedtime; create a comfortable sleep environment with a quiet, dark bedroom; and undergo regular health checkups to detect physical abnormalities early.
