Stressful events or changes in sleeping circumstances are often associated with short-term insomnia. Employment concerns, exams, pending deadlines or financial problems, as well as significant life events such as a bereavement, may temporarily affect sleep quality.3

Environmental changes such as external noise or light, the bedroom being too warm or too cold, an uncomfortable bed, or changed sleep patterns (for example, due to a new baby) are also common causes.

Long-term insomnia can occur if the body is unable to adapt to these sorts of stressors, or there are changes in cognitive processes.

Many co-morbidities are also associated with chronic insomnia including:1,3,4,7,8,9

·       mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder

·       neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s

·       asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

·       heart conditions such as angina or heart failure

·       hormonal changes such as overactive thyroid, menopause or Cushing’s syndrome

·       musculoskeletal problems

·       cancers

·       genitourinary conditions, eg urinary incontinence or prostate problems

·       chronic pain.

The risk of type 2 diabetes and hypertension increases in people with short-sleep duration insomnia, while the risk of falls in older people increases with insomnia, whether or not sleep medication is used.3,4

As well as quality of life issues, insomnia is also linked to decreased workforce productivity, absenteeism and increased risk of accidents – at work or on the road.3,4