Insomnia and unexpected weight loss often stem from the same underlying problems. Changes in a person's lifestyle may have a significant effect on sleeping and eating patterns, bringing about a lack of sleep and loss of appetite. Causes may affect insomnia and weight loss separately in some cases. However, there are times when both disorders can be traced to the same source.
Drugs
Many over-the-counter and prescription drugs cause weight loss, notes MayoClinic.com the website of the Mayo Clinic. Medications that may cause insomnia include stimulants, antidepressants, heart and blood pressure medicine, allergy medication, decongestants, antihistamines and amphetamines, according to Medical News Today. Alcohol, caffeine and nicotine can lead to insomnia. Cocaine and methamphetamines also cause insomnia. Drug use, especially when abused, can result in loss of appetite and weight loss.
Mental Health
Stress, anxiety and depression are among the mental health conditions affecting weight, according to MayoClinic.com. Stress because of difficulties at work, in school or from family problems also causes difficulty sleeping. Sleep often gets disrupted from everyday anxiety and anxiety disorders in which people become consumed with worries. Depression may result in sleeping problems and changes in eating habits, including loss of appetite.
Medical Condition
Chronic pain and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD can cause insomnia and weight loss because patients often lose sleep and appetite over concerns about their health. Gastrointestinal problems may result in insomnia, according to Medical News Today. Gastrointestinal diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcers or celiac disease, can cause weight loss even when a person hasn't changed eating habits, MayoClinic.com points out. Many types of cancer result in weight loss and insomnia for some patients. Weight loss is a complication often associated with heart and lung disease, which also cause insomnia. Diabetes and hyperthyroidism may lead to weight loss and insomnia. Other serious health disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, stroke, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease may lead to weight loss and insomnia. Many disorders cause patients to become worried about their conditions, affecting their sleeping and eating patterns.
Life Changes
Change in diet or activity levels can lead to skipping meals or eating in a hurry to cause weight loss, MayoClinic.com says. This may occur because of an intense exercise program that is not balanced with a healthy diet that includes the necessary calorie intake. Changes in a person's work schedule may also cause a change in eating habits and weight loss. Metabolism and body temperature may become affected, resulting in insomnia because the body's internal clock that guides the sleeping cycle is disrupted.
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