Uncontrollable Insomnia...

Causes of Insomnia: Uncontrollable Risk Factors

There are actually two different forms of insomnia--secondary (when insomnia occurs as a symptom or side effect of something else) and primary (when insomnia is a disorder in itself, not occurring as the side effect of another condition). Both are characterized by the inability to fall or stay asleep, but the causes insomnia are very individual.

 

There are two main categories of risks that can contribute to insomnia--those that you can't change, and those that you can. Uncontrollable Risk Factors
These variables are out of your control. Although you can't do anything to change them, it's important to know what has been associated with the development of insomnia.

• Your age. As you get older, your sleep patterns change, resulting in more awakenings during the middle of the night and a harder time staying asleep.
• Your gender. Insomnia is more common among women, but experts aren't exactly sure why. Some theories include hormonal changes; greater sensitivity to the sounds of their children; and higher incidence for conditions that can result in secondary insomnia, such as depression and anxiety.
• Your health history. Several medications can cause secondary insomnia, but many medical problems--emotional, neurological, respiratory, heart, thyroid, gastrointestinal, and chronic pain disorders--can all disrupt sleep quality and quantity.
• Your socioeconomic status. Insomnia is more common in people of low socioeconomic status.
• Your work hours. Shift workers