Chronic insomnia can result from many factors. Some of them are controllable when a certain substance is involved. Other causes of frequent insomnia may have deep underlying origins that need to be examined and banished with the help of professional counseling. Some people with sleeping problems have a family history of chronic insomnia, but genetics are not the only reason, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC).
Emotional Distress
Stress and anxiety stemming from concerns about work, school health, finances or family can cause sleepless nights, the Mayo Clinic explains. Chronic insomnia may develop when the underlying problems are ongoing. Depression can lead to insomnia because of chemical imbalances in the brain. Worries often accompany depression to make it difficult to relax or fall asleep. More serious mental health disorders, such as bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and post-traumatic stress disorder can also result in chronic insomnia, according to the UMMC.
Psychological Causes
Psychophysiologic insomnia is a condition in which some people with sleep problems begin to think of going to bed as a struggle to sleep, the UMMC explains. Over time they develop a pattern of sleep failure that becomes chronic insomnia. They suffer from excessive worry and anxiety about sleeping that soon becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy and a persistent condition.
Medical Conditions
People with chronic pain often suffer from chronic insomnia, the UMMC says. Restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, a temporary absence of breathing, can cause insomnia. Many diseases contribute to chronic insomnia. They include allergies, asthma, arthritis, cancer, heart disease, emphysema, rheumatologic conditions, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and benign prostate enlargement. Epilepsy, fibromyalgia, hyperthyroidism, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease can also cause chronic insomnia.
Medication
Antidepressants, drugs for heart conditions and high blood pressure, allergy medicines, stimulants and corticosteroids can cause insomnia. Pain medication and decongestants may contain caffeine to keep the body stimulated and make it difficult to sleep, the Mayo Clinic notes.
Substance Abuse
People who drink too much caffeine, abuse alcohol or smoke may suffer from chronic insomnia. Caffeine can be a problem if drinking it in the late afternoon or evening. Nicotine is a stimulant. Alcohol can act as a sedative at first, but it may prevent deep sleep that causes people to wake up in the middle of the night, the Mayo Clinic points out. Alcoholics may suffer from insomnia for long periods during and after withdrawal, the UMMC says. Cocaine and other drug addictions can also cause chronic insomnia.
