Have you ever had a few nights or even a week of terrible sleep after a stressful event? You were likely experiencing acute insomnia. This common, short-term sleep disorder is something most people go through at some point in their lives. Understanding what acute insomnia is and its typical causes is the first step to learning how you can solve it before it becomes a more persistent problem.
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😥 How Emotional Stress Triggers Short-Term Insomnia
One of the most frequent causes of acute insomnia is emotional tension, which can be both negative and positive. Major life events such as losing a loved one, going through a divorce, experiencing work problems, or even positive events like getting married can disrupt your sleep. The good news is that this type of insomnia often disappears on its own once the stressful situation ends or when you adapt to the new circumstances. However, it’s important to manage this stress, as it can sometimes lead to a ‘fear of not sleeping,’ which can develop into a more chronic issue.
✈️ How to Manage Jet Lag and Shift Work Sleep Issues
Disruptions to your body’s internal 24-hour clock, or sleep-wake cycle disorders, are another major cause of acute insomnia. This is commonly experienced by people who do night work or have rotating shifts, which confuses the body’s natural rhythm. Similarly, jet lag, which affects people who travel rapidly across time zones, can cause difficulty falling asleep, excessive drowsiness, and even gastrointestinal issues. For jet lag, a useful tip is to adjust your watch to your destination’s time as soon as you travel and try to sleep when it’s dark there, even if you’re not tired.
環境 How Environmental Factors Can Disrupt Your Sleep
Sometimes the cause of acute insomnia is simply a change in your environment. Most people have difficulty sleeping in a different bed, a hotel room, or a hospital. Factors like excessive noise, heat, cold, or light can also make sleeping difficult. For example, new sounds that you’re not used to, even if they are slight, can cause insomnia until your brain adapts to their presence. Even sleeping with a new partner whose movements and sounds you’re not accustomed to can interrupt your sleep and leave you feeling unrested in the morning.
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Rivero, Isabel M. Insomnia: Foods, Supplements & Herbs. Translated by Sara I. Afonso & Laura Mendoza, 2025.
More Topics
- What Are the Most Beneficial Foods and Beverages for Sleep?
- How Healthy Cooking Techniques Can Improve Your Sleep
- How to Use Nutritional Therapy to Combat Insomnia
- Which Foods and Beverages Should You Avoid for Better Sleep?
- What Are the Best Healing Foods for Insomnia?
- How to Practice Good Sleep Hygiene for Better Rest
- Answering Your Top Questions About Insomnia
