Insomnia is a common disorder that can cause difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early.

While the exact causes of insomnia are not always clear, there are a number of surprising factors that may be contributing to your sleepless nights. Here are 10 surprising causes of insomnia that you may not have considered:.

1. Your Smartphone

Do you check your phone before bed? If so, you may be unintentionally disrupting your sleep. The blue light emitted by smartphones and other electronics can interfere with the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep.

Additionally, receiving late night texts or emails can cause anxiety and keep your mind active when it should be winding down.

2. Your Eating Habits

Your diet can have a significant impact on your sleep patterns. Consuming caffeine, alcohol, or heavy meals close to bedtime can all keep you up at night.

Additionally, skipping meals or eating too few calories during the day can cause hunger pains that wake you up during the night.

3. Your Medications

If you take prescription medications, they may be affecting your sleep quality without you even realizing it.

Certain medications, including antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and steroids, can all interfere with your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

4. Your Mattress

Believe it or not, the quality of your mattress can impact your sleep quality. An old, uncomfortable mattress can cause aches and pains that make it difficult to fall or stay asleep.

Additionally, a mattress that is too soft or too firm may not properly support your body, leading to discomfort or pain.

5. Your Work Schedule

If you work non-traditional hours, such as overnight shifts, it can be difficult to maintain consistent sleep patterns.

Your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, or circadian rhythm, is disrupted when you work during the night and sleep during the day.

6. Your Worries

If you have a lot on your mind, it can be difficult to fall asleep. Whether you’re worried about work, finances, or personal relationships, stress and anxiety can keep your mind racing even when you’re trying to relax and sleep.

7. Your Sleeping Environment

The environment in which you sleep can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Factors such as noise, temperature, and lighting can all interfere with your ability to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Additionally, sleeping in an uncomfortable or unfamiliar place, such as a hotel room, can make it difficult to get a good night’s sleep.

8. Your Bedtime Routine

Your bedtime routine can set the stage for a good night’s sleep or make it more difficult to drift off.

If you engage in stimulating activities, such as watching television or using your phone, right before bed, it can be difficult to transition to sleep. Additionally, an irregular bedtime routine can disrupt your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

9. Your Health Conditions

Underlying health conditions, such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or chronic pain, can all interfere with your sleep quality. Additionally, mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, can cause difficulty falling or staying asleep.

10. Your Hormones

Hormonal changes, particularly in women, can cause insomnia. During menopause, for example, changes in hormone levels can cause hot flashes and night sweats that make it difficult to stay asleep.

Insomnia can be a frustrating and difficult condition to deal with, but understanding the underlying causes can help you identify potential solutions.

By addressing these surprising factors, you may be able to get the restful, restorative sleep you need.