Insomnia is a sleep disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. There are numerous known causes of insomnia, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.

However, there are also some surprising and less well-known causes that could be contributing to your insomnia. Here are the top 5 surprising causes of insomnia:.

Caffeine

Most people know that caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, can interfere with sleep. However, many people don’t realize how long it can take for caffeine to leave their system.

It can take up to 6 hours for the effects of caffeine to wear off, which means that afternoon cups of coffee or tea could be contributing to insomnia later that night. It’s best to avoid caffeine altogether if you suffer from insomnia, but if you must have it, try to limit your intake to earlier in the day.

Alcohol

Alcohol is a sedative that can help people fall asleep faster. However, it can also disrupt the quality of your sleep once you’ve drifted off.

Alcohol can cause you to wake up more frequently during the night, and it can also worsen snoring and sleep apnea. If you suffer from insomnia, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether, especially in the hours leading up to bedtime.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Being sedentary all day can affect your sleep quality. When you have a sedentary job, your body doesn’t get the physical exertion it needs throughout the day, which can make it harder to fall asleep at night.

Additionally, lack of movement can cause stiffness and pain, which can also keep you up at night. If you have a sedentary job, try to incorporate more movement into your day, such as taking a walk on your lunch break or doing some stretching at your desk.

Electronic Devices

Electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, emit blue light, which can interfere with your body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.

Blue light exposure can cause your brain to think it’s daytime, which can make it harder to fall asleep at night. If you must use electronic devices in the hours leading up to bedtime, try using a blue light filter. Additionally, it’s best to avoid using electronic devices in bed altogether.

Medications

There are many medications that can interfere with sleep, both prescription and over-the-counter. Some medications, such as antidepressants and stimulants, can cause insomnia as a side effect.

Additionally, some medications, such as decongestants and diet pills, can contain stimulants that can interfere with sleep. If you are experiencing insomnia and are taking medication, talk to your doctor about the possibility of adjusting your medication or dosage.

Conclusion

While stress, anxiety, and depression are well-known causes of insomnia, there are also some surprising factors that could be contributing to your sleepless nights.

Avoiding caffeine and alcohol, incorporating more movement into your day, limiting electronic device use, and talking to your doctor about medication options could all help improve your sleep quality.