When sleepless nights are no longer an occasional problem but a regular occurrence, you may be dealing with chronic insomnia. Unlike its short-term counterpart, chronic insomnia is a severe and persistent disorder that can have serious physical and psychological repercussions. Understanding how this condition is defined and how it is treated is crucial, as it is often a symptom of an underlying disease or disorder that needs to be addressed.
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🧠 Understanding Psychophysiological (‘Learned’) Insomnia
It is estimated that most cases of chronic insomnia are psychophysiological in nature. This often starts with an episode of acute stress or a medical issue that disrupts sleep. Even after the initial problem is resolved, a person may develop a ‘fear of not being able to sleep.’ You might get nervous when you go to bed, worry excessively about your insomnia, and find that the harder you try to sleep, the more difficult it becomes. Treatment for this type often involves combining hygienic sleep measures with relaxation techniques to break the negative association between bed and wakefulness.
😟 The Link Between Depression, Anxiety, and Chronic Insomnia
There is a very strong link between chronic insomnia and psychiatric causes like anxiety and depressive disorders. People with anxiety often have difficulty falling asleep due to high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In contrast, people with depression often experience a different pattern, where they can fall asleep reasonably quickly but then wake up after only a few hours and cannot get back to sleep. In these cases, it’s essential to understand that you may be ‘sleeping badly because you are depressed,’ and not the other way around. Treatment must focus on the underlying mental health condition to resolve the sleep problem.
🩺 When Medical Conditions Are the Root Cause
Chronic insomnia is frequently a symptom of an underlying medical disease or disorder. A wide range of conditions can cause fragmented and unrefreshing sleep. These include digestive disorders like gastroesophageal reflux, rheumatic conditions like fibromyalgia, and cardiac or respiratory diseases. Motor disorders like Restless Legs Syndrome, which causes an irresistible urge to move the limbs, can also make sleep nearly impossible. Because the causes are so varied, it is essential to get a thorough medical evaluation to find the true origin of the problem so it can be addressed adequately.
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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
