It can seem redundant to keep listing causes of insomnia. But the truth is that we all need reminders. And while some things may be easy to change there may be other issues that we ignore because changing them would mean a drastic change in our lifestyle. So repeating a list of common causes to insomnia helps to urge us to take an honest look at what we’re doing that may be affecting our sleep. Eventually the pain of no sleep may help us to decide to take the action needed.

Almost everyone has battled with at least a short-term case of insomnia. Some people may be more prone to either transient or long-term, chronic insomnia. Here are the top five conditions that can cause insomnia.

1. Stress, anxiety, and depression. The undisputed number one cause of insomnia is excessive stress, anxiety, and depression. Almost everyone has experienced transient insomnia the night before a job interview, big presentation, wedding, or other significant personal event. Transient insomnia usually passes after the stress-inducing event has been overcome. Chronic insomnia is more serious because it can affect an individual for an extended period of time. Persistent stress at work or home can lead to chronic insomnia. Anxiety and depressive disorders are another major source for chronic insomnia.

2. Sleep apnea, narcolepsy, night leg disorders, and other sleep disorders. One of the most common causes of chronic insomnia is the presence of one or more sleep disorders. Sleep disorders can severely disrupt sleep patterns and interfere with an individual’s quality of life.

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders (after excessive snoring and chronic insomnia). A person with sleep apnea will stop breathing several times during the course of a night’s sleep. The pauses in breathing last about ten seconds, and can occur up to 30 times a night. A person with sleep apnea may not be aware of their condition. But the cumulative effect of waking up several times a night can cause them to lose sleep, leading many sleep apnea patients to conclude they are suffering from chronic insomnia.

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