What Causes Insomnia? Causes in Men and Women

Occasional sleep disturbances are, as a rule, reported by 10 to 30% of the general population. The prevalence of the problem increases with age. Older people have insomnia, and there are many reasons for this. About 10-15% of the world’s population has insomnia, almost every 10 inhabitant. The problem is common, and the cause is often the simplest of things, which we will discuss next. Many patients do not pay attention or try to cope with the disease alone. As a result, a persistent sleep disorder develops – chronic insomnia, which is difficult to treat and causes many health problems. The patient should seek initial consultation with a general practitioner in such a condition to determine the insomnia causes. Doctors conduct comprehensive therapy, including the most effective pharmacological drugs. They reduce sleep disturbance, physiotherapeutic procedures, modern reflexology methods, and psychotherapy. Read on, in more detail, about this problem.

Causes of Insomnia in Males

Men have insomnia less often, as they are less likely to consult a doctor and have a more stable psychotype. Nevertheless, insomnia in men is a phenomenon of our modern world that we cannot discount. Insomnia has a huge negative impact on the body:

• Mental functioning is usually impaired (memory and memorization ability decreases, depression develops)
• Daily functioning is impaired (a person is unable to perform the usual daily activities).
• Impaired control and concentration of attention occur. It is especially dangerous for those who drive a vehicle. Their work is always associated with increased control and responsibility for the lives of others.
• The occurrence of somatic diseases is typical for an insomniac person. Sleep deprivation has a connection linked to cardiovascular diseases.

Lack of sleep over a long period can cause irreparable damage to health. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the main causes of insomnia in men, eliminating which can return a full sleep. Read below to discover more about the causes of insomnia in males.

Hormonal disorders

Hormonal imbalances, such as low testosterone levels, can disrupt sleep patterns in men. Conditions like hypogonadism or even age-related hormonal changes may lead to insomnia. Testosterone plays a role in regulating sleep. Its deficiency can result in difficulties falling and staying asleep. This potentially contributes to insomnia in males.

Products with caffeinе

Consumption of caffeine-containing products can interfere with sleep in males. Coffee, tea, or energy drinks, particularly in the late afternoon or evening, worsen the situation. Caffeine is a stimulant that increases alertness and can lead to difficulties initiating sleep. It is a common contributor to insomnia, especially when consumed excessively or near bedtime.

Use of gadgets before bedtime

The use of electronic gadgets like smartphones, tablets, or computers before bedtime can be one of the causes of insomnia in males. The blue light emitted by these devices can suppress melatonin production. It disrupts the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle and makes it harder to fall asleep.

Excessive physical activity

Engaging in vigorous physical activity close to bedtime can raise:

• adrenaline levels;
• body temperature. 

So, it is challenging to unwind and fall asleep. While exercise is generally beneficial for sleep, doing it too close to bedtime may lead to male insomnia.

Stressful situations

Stressful situations can contribute to insomnia in males. It can be work-related pressures, financial worries, or personal concerns. Elevated stress levels can result in racing thoughts and anxiety. So relaxing and initiating sleep becomes difficult. Effective stress management techniques are essential to mitigate this cause of insomnia in males.

Causes of Insomnia in Females

Unfortunately, insomnia has become a common phenomenon in our era of high technology and accelerated rhythm of life. As our life is full of constant worries and concerns. In women, insomnia is more common. This is due to evolutionary features (the female brain is more susceptible to high sounds reminiscent of a baby’s crying. Excessive emotionality often prevents women from sleeping). Sleep disturbance can also consist of frequent waking and shallow sleep. Insomnia in women often develops against pregnancy, stress, and negative life events. Also, sleep problems can lead to regular evening viewing of negative programs and scary movies in an insomniac person. When you have insomnia, visiting a specialist is crucial because it can lead to mental disorders that cause somatic diseases. Insomnia in women is a very common phenomenon, which has a connection to the hormonal and emotional features of the weaker sex. Sleep disturbance can:

• negatively affect all body systems;
• significantly reduce functioning;
• worsen general well-being. 

What are the reasons that provoke the occurrence of insomnia in women? Read below about the causes of insomnia in males.

Prolonged worry and stress

These are the most common causes of insomnia in women:

• daily negative impressions;
• conflicts in the family;
• material problems;
• difficulties in relationships with loved ones and children;
• changes in life associated with moving;
• changes in family status affect sleep quality.

Emotional tension

Emotional tension, including anxiety, depression, and relationship issues, can disrupt sleep in females. These emotional stressors often lead to racing thoughts and heightened arousal. So relaxing and initiating sleep becomes challenging. But it is not only about negative experiences. Joyful events such as an upcoming wedding, a long-awaited meeting, or falling in love can provoke sleep disorders.

Time zone change and work schedule

Shift work, irregular work schedules, or frequent time zone changes can disturb the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. So, females become an insomniac person. These disruptions can lead to circadian rhythm disturbances. So, a woman can’t achieve restorative sleep.

Somatic diseases

Somatic diseases are potential causes of insomnia in females. It can be:

• chronic pain conditions;
• hormonal disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

Pain or discomfort from these conditions can lead to:

• frequent awakenings;
• difficulty staying asleep.

All neurological diseases and direct trauma to the skull and spine form a negative symptomatology. It goes along with multiple sleep disturbances. Fibromyalgia, migraines, and other similar conditions often cause insomnia.

Profile of an Insomniac Person

An insomniac typically experiences ongoing difficulties in falling or staying asleep. It leads to a persistent lack of restorative rest. The specific characteristics of an insomniac can vary widely. However, a profile of such an individual often includes several common traits and experiences.

Firstly, insomniacs frequently report a heightened level of stress and anxiety. There are common manifestations of the emotional turmoil that often accompanies insomnia:

• racing thoughts;
• worries;
• an inability to relax mentally.  

Additionally, insomniacs may display irregular sleep patterns, including:

• frequent awakenings during the night;
• difficulty returning to sleep. 

They may also spend excessive time in bed, trying to compensate for lost sleep, which can further exacerbate the problem.

Furthermore, lifestyle factors can play a significant role. Insomniac persons may have irregular work schedules. They engage in activities that disrupt their circadian rhythms (such as late-night screen use). They can consume stimulants like caffeine or nicotine close to bedtime.

The profile of an insomniac person has the profound impact of sleep deprivation on their physical and emotional health. It highlights the importance of seeking effective treatments and strategies.

Treatment and Prevention

In order to achieve a positive effect from the therapy, we recommended a comprehensive treatment of insomnia in women. At Lone Star Neurology, after determining the causes of insomnia, the following methods can be good in combinations:

• Medication (antidepressants, anxiolytics, insomnia drugs of the latest generation).
• Course of psychotherapy.
• Additional psychotherapeutic techniques.
• In the presence of organic or neurological problems, it is observation and treatment by a specialized doctor. conservative or surgical treatment. In any case, if the cause of insomnia is bodily, the psychiatrist continues to support the patient. The doctor monitors her psychological state during treatment.

Treatment of insomnia in men is usually prescribed only after a doctor finds the exact causes of the sleep disorder. We use the most modern techniques to treat insomnia:

If causes insomnia in men occur due to stress, drug treatment may be good in combination with psychotherapeutic techniques:

• Suppose insomnia is due to sleep hygiene disorders. Coffee, alcohol, fatty food, gadgets, or physical exercises before bedtime. In that case, recommendations for lifestyle changes are given. And psychoeducational talks are conducted as part of a psychotherapeutic course.
• The doctor does diagnosis and observation in case of insomnia due to somatic and neurological diseases. It goes t in combination with medication, and psychotherapeutic treatment is prescribed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding the causes of insomnia in both men and women is crucial. Medics need it to develop effective solutions to improve sleep quality. While factors like hormonal disorders, caffeine consumption, gadget use, physical activity, and stress can impact both genders, recognizing the unique triggers and vulnerabilities specific to each can lead to more personalized and successful interventions. If you or a loved one is an insomniac person, seeking guidance from healthcare professionals is vital. Lone Star Neurology offers expert services to address sleep disorders. We provide comprehensive solutions for a good night’s sleep. Don’t let insomnia disrupt your life. Take the first step towards better sleep with Lone Star Neurology’s specialized care.

FAQ

What are the common causes of insomnia?

Common causes of insomnia include stress, anxiety, lifestyle factors, medical conditions, and environmental influences.

How do causes of insomnia differ between men and women?

Causes of insomnia may differ between men and women due to hormonal factors, stressors, and lifestyle variations, but many common causes apply to both genders.

Are there specific treatments for males and females?

Insomnia treatments are generally not gender-specific, primarily targeting underlying causes and sleep hygiene practices. However, treatment plans may be tailored to individual needs regardless of gender.

Is age a common factor in insomnia?

Yes, age can be a contributing factor to insomnia. As individuals age, changes in sleep patterns and altered circadian rhythms can lead to sleep disturbances and insomnia. However, insomnia can affect people of all age groups.