What is insomnia?

            Insomnia is the inability to fall asleep or to stay asleep at night (or day depending on your sleep schedule).

What can cause insomnia?

            Insomnia can be caused by many factors. Stress, mood disorders, caffeine, alcohol, medication, and even electronics all play a role in the ease of falling asleep and staying asleep.

            For example, an increase in stress can make it difficult for the body to relax and unwind after a long day. Besides stress, mood disorders such as anxiety and depression can also play a role in making it difficult to unwind enough to pass out.

Other causes can be consuming caffeine six hours before bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant and thus works to keep the body awake. It can stay in the system for six to eight hours, which makes drinking caffeinated coffees, teas, sodas, or other beverages a bad idea before bed. Even eating items like chocolate, which has caffeine, can cause insomnia.

Likewise, alcohol consumption also plays a role in how well someone sleeps. While alcohol has been known to help some fall asleep, it causes disruptions in the sleep cycle, making for a restless night.

            Medications can also cause insomnia. If you’re concerned about a medication you’re on, it’s best to seek a medical professional’s help or advice on how best to combat the insomnia.

            Having a poor mattress or sleeping surface can also lead to poor sleep as the pain of a sharp spring or a lump in the back can cause tossing and turning. This leads to a disruption in the sleep cycle that, like the other causes of insomnia, can create a cycle of sleepless nights.

How do you counteract insomnia?

            Limiting stress throughout the day or taking an hour to meditate and relax before bed can really make a difference. Another great habit to help kick those sleepless nights is to change drinking habits, and not just in avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, but in avoiding drinking just before bed as well. This will help reduce the number of nighttime disruptions like bathroom visits and can lead to a more complete rest. While this works for some people, taking medication is best for others. It’s always best to seek a medical professional before taking sleep altering drugs.

            Last, but certainly not least, having a proper mattress can really make a difference. The best way to fall asleep and to keep falling asleep easily is to have a set pattern and a comfortable bed or futon mattress. With the right combination of techniques and the right mattress, you’re sure to be sleeping soundly in no time!

            Most mattresses only last about ten years. If you think, or know, that it’s time for a new mattress, we hope you’ll give a Wolf Mattress a try. Quit counting sheep…sleep with a Wolf!