Certain risk factors commonly associated with Insomnia are-
- Insomnia is more common in older people, especially after 60 years of age.
- Also women are more likely to get insomnia especially at menopause (due to hot flushes which prevent sleep).
- People who are under severe stress are more likely to get Insomnia.
- Insomnia is also a symptom in diseases such as Restless leg syndrome, sleep apnoea, deviated nasal septum, fibromyalgia.
- Sleeping in very hot or cold environment, in noise, in bright light can either cause Insomnia or disrupted sleep.
- People working in shifts or travelling too much in different time zones (jet lag) can find it difficult to sleep easily.
- Diabetic people may get Insomnia because of frequent nocturnal urination(polyuria).
- People with unstable sleeping habits like sleeping at different times daily, exposure to strong light & noise before sleep are more likely to suffer from Insomnia.
- People consuming alcohol, nicotine and excessive caffeine are also likely to be at higher risk. Alcohol, though, act as sedative may prevent deeper stages of sleep causing frequent awakening during sleep.
- People with bed partner who snores or suffers from conditions like Restless Leg Syndrome may remain sleepless.
