Sleep disturbances can happen to anyone, but for some people, they become chronic over time. A lack of quality sleep affects mood, productivity, and health, so it is important to address the causes of insomnia in a timely manner.
According to sleep doctor, therapist, clinical psychologist, Professor Roman Buzunov, the causes of chronic insomnia can be divided into three groups:
1. Duration of the cause's effect
Short-term stress rarely leads to long-term sleep problems. Prolonged and unresolved stressful situations increase the risk of developing chronic insomnia.
2. Predisposition
Some people inherit from their parents certain psychological traits and nervous system reactions that make them more vulnerable to insomnia. Symptoms of predisposition include:
- Light sleep since childhood;
- Difficulty falling asleep during stressful periods, such as before exams;
- Periodic sleep disturbances during psycho-emotional tension.
3. Behavioral and reaction errors
The sleep doctor identifies eight habits that reinforce insomnia:
- Attempts to "catch up" on missed sleep: going to bed early, waking up late, or taking daytime naps.
- Frantic efforts to fall asleep, accompanied by anger and irritation.
- Staying in bed during sleepless hours without sleeping or feeling like you are not sleeping.
- Ruminating on anxious thoughts, plans, and tasks right in bed.
- Linking life failures to lack of sleep.
- Taking sleeping pills daily for more than two weeks, which creates a fear of not being able to sleep without medication.
- Consuming coffee, tea, and other stimulants for alertness throughout the day.
- Limiting physical activity due to fatigue from lack of sleep.
Following these recommendations helps reduce the risk of chronic insomnia and restore normal sleep.
