What causes a lack of sleepiness in the brain with long-term insomnia?
Nov 14, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
In general, chronic insomnia and lack of sleepiness may be caused by factors such as irregular sleep schedules, high mental stress, neurasthenia, anxiety disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 hospital. In daily life, maintain a regular sleep schedule, avoid staying up late, and properly balance work and personal life.
Generally, chronic insomnia and lack of sleepiness may be caused by factors such as irregular作息 (daily routines), high mental stress, neurasthenia, anxiety disorder, or obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment at a正规 (standard) hospital. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Irregular Daily Routines
Chronic late-night habits and reversed day-night schedules disrupt the body's biological clock, disturbing the brain’s natural sleep rhythm and making it difficult to fall asleep normally. Maintain a fixed bedtime and wake-up time every day—even on weekends. Avoid electronic screens one hour before sleep, and create a dim, quiet sleeping environment.
2. High Mental Stress
Stress from life or work keeps the brain in a prolonged state of excitement, causing disordered neurotransmitter secretion and sustained activity of hormones that inhibit sleep. Set aside dedicated time each day for meditation or yoga. Listen to soothing music before bed, talk with family or friends to release stress, and avoid thinking about complex issues before sleeping.
3. Neurasthenia
Prolonged mental tension leads to nervous overexcitability and fatigue, resulting in cortical dysfunction and difficulty falling asleep. Medications such as oryzanol tablets, vitamin B1 tablets, or diazepam tablets may be used under medical guidance. Maintain regular daily routines, avoid excessive fatigue, and engage in moderate outdoor walking.
4. Anxiety Disorder
Recurrent anxiety keeps the brain in a constant state of alertness, disrupting the sleep cycle and leading to chronic insomnia. Medications such as sertraline hydrochloride tablets, paroxetine tablets, or lorazepam tablets may be taken under a doctor's supervision, along with psychological counseling and training in relaxation techniques.
5. Obstructive Sleep Apnea-Hypopnea Syndrome
Narrowing or obstruction of the airway causes repeated oxygen deprivation during sleep, reducing sleep quality and prompting the brain to remain compensatorily awake to maintain breathing. Treatment may include continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). In severe cases, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty may be required. Additionally, weight control and side-sleeping are recommended.
In daily life, maintain a regular schedule and avoid staying up late; plan work and personal life reasonably to reduce mental stress; engage in moderate exercise regularly to improve physical health; create a comfortable sleep environment, and avoid consuming coffee or strong tea before bedtime.
