Every year, 1 out of 4 people develop insomnia in the United States.

Insomnia can last for a couple of nights or become a chronic problem that affects you for years.

The best way to avoid getting no sleep is by learning what causes insomnia in the first place.

Continue reading to discover the most popular causes for a sleepless night and how you can prevent them!

1. Medications

Many prescription medications can cause you to stay up all night.

Antidepressants are one of the most popular prescriptions in the United States that can cause insomnia. Stimulants used to treats ADHD and high blood pressure medications can also impact your sleep schedule.

If you have been prescribed a medication that keeps you up all night, it is best to talk to your doctor so that you can find a healthier option.

2. Anxiety and Depression

How many times have you been awake all night worrying about the next day or upset about the one that just ended?

Anxiety and depression are two of the biggest causes of insomnia. People with anxiety have a hard time falling asleep due to restlessness and constant intrusive thoughts. Anxiety and stress can keep you up all night if it has become too much to handle.

Depression can also cause insomnia. Many people have a difficult time staying asleep when they are depressed because of psychological reasons. Trauma, grief, and mental illness can keep the brain up all night if you can’t get control of your thoughts.

Many people recommend trying meditation and practicing mindfulness when they can’t unwind.

3. Chronic Pain and Illness

Sometimes insomnia can’t be avoided due to chronic pain and illnesses.

Allergies and asthma can cause insomnia. When allergies begin to bother you too much it can impact your breathing and wake you up throughout the night. Parkinson’s disease and hyperthyroidism also make people more prone to being an insomniac as well.

If you deal with these problems or have chronic pain, it can be difficult to sleep without any medication. Those dealing with chronic pain should try improving their sleeping form by adding pillows between the legs. Extra pillows can help reduce pressure and pain that keep you up.

4. Sleep Disorders

Sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome are two sleep disorders that can quickly lead to insomnia.

Sleep apnea occurs when the person stops breathing in their sleep. Most of the time sleep apnea can be taken care of with a breathing machine and by losing weight. Waking up with sleep apnea can take a lot out of a person, especially when they wake up every night gasping for air.

Restless leg syndrome is another sleep disorder that can keep you up all night. This problem can leave you in bed for hours without sleep because you can’t get your foot to stop tapping.

The best way to combat sleeping disorders is by talking to your doctor and going to sleep at regular times every day.

5. Jet Lag

Did you recently travel into a different time zone or take an overnight flight somewhere?

Jet lag is one of the biggest causes of insomnia. It happens when a person’s sleep schedule (circadian rhythm) is thrown off. Going into a different time zone means that you will have to adjust your entire schedule.

A couple of hours in time difference can be easy to adapt to, but some flights last hours. If this is the case, it is best to try and stick with a sleep schedule between what you already have and to fit your new destination.

Naps can help you work through jet lag that won’t go away. Just be sure that you aren’t napping too late in the day, otherwise, you won’t be able to fall asleep later.

6. Anticipation

The nights before a new school year starting or Christmas Day are typically lacking in sleep.

Anticipation for an exciting event or day can make it difficult to sleep at night. Many people have a hard time unwinding for the day when they know something is about to happen. If you feel like you are anticipating something, be prepared to get less sleep than normal.

The Best Ways to Avoid Insomnia

There are many causes of insomnia. However, there are also many things that you can do to help prevent having a sleepless night.

One of the best ways to finally get some sleep is by using CBD for insomnia. CBD oil comes from the cannabis plant, but it doesn’t cause a head high. Instead, it can help reduce inflammation and help calm the body and mind.

Going to bed every night around the same time can also help improve symptoms of insomnia. You should also wake up at the same time to keep your sleep schedule consistent.

Another tip for getting a good night’s sleep is by turning off technology a couple of hours before you lay down. The blue lights on the phone and TVs can keep you up all night and make it difficult to stay asleep.

Don’t Have Another Sleepless Night Again

How many times have you gone to bed early, thinking that you will finally be able to get more sleep? Chances are, you had another sleepless night that left you exhausted for the next day.

Medications and sleep disorders can cause you to stay up and get no sleep. Fortunately, there are ways that you can beat this by going to bed at the same time every day.

Turning off technology devices and trying CBD can help calm you before bed and make falling asleep easier. Try not to overstimulate yourself if you are hitting the sheets soon.

Be sure to check out our blog for more articles on improving your lifestyle and getting a good night’s rest!