Causes of Lack of Sleep

A chronic lack of sleep can be both extremely frustrating and potentially dangerous. Because the causes of sleeplessness are numerous and diverse, getting to the root of the problem can be an intimidating prospect. Become familiar with the causes of sleeplessness to prepare for your consultation with your doctor.

Schedule and Habits

• An overbooked schedule filled with pressing commitments can limit the amount of time you can devote to sleep, leaving you chronically tired and unable to function at your best. Other habits that can lead to a lack of sleep are irregular sleeping habits such as staying up all night or lounging in bed at nonsleeping hours. Other disruptions to the sleep cycle can include jet-lag from long-distance travel and dramatic changes in environment that require new and unfamiliar sleep schedules.

Stimulants and Depressants

• Stimulants like coffee, tea and nicotine are all known stimulants. If any of these are part of your daily routine, consider reducing your intake or at least avoid using them later in the day. One less-obvious cause of sleeplessness is alcohol consumption. While this depressant is known to cause drowsiness, it also limits your ability to enter deep stages of sleep and may cause you to wake up in the middle of the night.

Medications

• Sleeplessness is a side effect of many prescription medications. Some heart and blood pressure medications, antidepressants, allergy medications and corticosteroids list sleeplessness as a side effect. Over-the-counter medications can also interfere with sleep. If you're taking decongestants or weight-loss products, research these as potential causes because they often contain stimulants. The best way to learn about the potential side effects of your medications is to always read the accompanying information carefully and/or talk to your doctor.

Medical Conditions

• Sleeplessness can also result from a medical condition. Individuals suffering from depression often struggle with insomnia, as do people with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Other serious conditions like cancer, lung disease, heart failure and Parkinson's disease all count insomnia among their symptoms. Dealing with insomnia related to a separate condition requires receiving appropriate medication to manage the conditions and symptoms as much as possible.