Sleep therapists and coaches describe the myriad, complex causes of chronic insomnia and outline effective treatments.
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But some people lie awake night after night, silently suffering from chronic insomnia.
What causes this issue, and why are sustainable solutions so elusive?
Insomnia is more common than you may think.
Devin Burke is a health and sleep coach, founder of Sleep Science Academy, and author of “The Sleep Advantage: Optimize Your Night to Win Your Day.”
Twenty-five percent of those people then develop chronic insomnia, which ultimately affects around10 percent of the population.
One-third of those in the 64-80 age demographicutilize some kind of sleep aid, in fact.
What are the causes of insomnia?
Insomnia can have physical and psychological causes.
I always think of it as biopsychosocial, says Dr. Harris.
Biologically, it could be triggered by hormonal issues [e.g.
Psychological causes, on the other hand, can include things like anxiety and depression.
Possessing certain traits can be a risk factor, too.
It can be good stressors, too, says Dr. Harris.
Devin Burke is a health and sleep coach, founder of Sleep Science Academy, and author of “The Sleep Advantage: Optimize Your Night to Win Your Day.”
If someones excited about getting married or having a new job, it can still lead to insomnia.
Once an acute bout of insomnia has begun, people tend to engage in behaviors that maintain the insomnia.
People understandably start worrying about their sleep, Dr. Harris explains.
Burke says that the more people give a shot to control their sleep, the more elusive sleep becomes.
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Then they start to rely on this pill, which is really meant for temporary relief, Burke says.
Its not solving the problem, addressing the root of why youre experiencing what youre experiencing.
Sleep aidscome with their own risks, too.
For starters, common prescription insomnia medications are sedative hypnotics.
Using them is quicker and easier than engaging in behavioral therapy, too.
But while its highly effective, CBT-I can be difficult to obtain.
3 insomnia tips that are actually helpful
1.
Stop trying to compensate by sleeping in in the morning and going to bed earlier, Dr. Harris says.
You also want to avoid laying in bed while trying to fall asleep.
Youre anchoring your bed with arousal, anxiety, and wakefulness.
Thats not what you want to do, says Burke.
But thats not the point.
Sleep will come when it comes.
He notes that his coaches spend a lot of time working with clients on the concept of acceptance.
This practice alone can help to alleviate some of the anxiety that perpetuates sleeplessness.
Often times, insomniacs can feel stuck, like they will forever struggle with their sleep.
But Burke says this isnt the case.
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