Sudden insomnia can be a type of acute insomnia. This means that insomnia occurs quickly and lasts only a short time.
Insomnia is characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting good sleep. Lack of sleep can affect a person’s daily life.
Sudden insomnia is a common problem. According to 2020 research from Trusted Source, nearly a third (33%) of the population experiences acute or new insomnia every year. Some cases of sudden insomnia can last for long periods and lead to chronic conditions.
There is no single cause of insomnia. Environment, genetics, and health factors, as well as stress, lifestyle, and other factors, may all play a part.
Learn more about sudden insomnia, its symptoms, and its causes. Also, when to seek medical help
Signs and symptoms
Sudden insomnia is a phrase that means that the symptoms of insomnia are not gradual but appear suddenly. It’s often acute or brief. Short-term insomnia can last from a few weeks to ten days.
Sudden insomnia is not a medical diagnosis but a symptom. There are many causes of sudden insomnia. Some require medical attention, while others, such as poor sleeping habits, may respond well to lifestyle changes.
Some of the common symptoms and signs of sudden insomnia include:
- Having difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent nighttime waking
- After waking, I have difficulty returning to sleep.
- extreme daytime tiredness
- Changes in sleep patterns, such as more nightmares or not dreaming at all
Sleep apnea, for example, can cause insomnia.
Causes of sudden insomnia
Sudden insomnia does not always mean that it is caused by sudden insomnia. Both chronic and sudden insomnia share similar causes.
Research from TrustedSource usually finds that insomnia is caused by hyperarousal. The brain and body will be more active than normal. This phenomenon can be caused by many different factors.
People who suffer from insomnia are more likely to:
- Cortisol levels are higher at night.
- Higher levels of glucose or blood sugar
- Higher nighttime body temperature
Some of the most common causes are:
Hormonal changes
The body’s chemical messengers are hormones. Sleep problems can be caused by changes in hormone levels. These may result from normal life events like pregnancy or menopause.
Hyperthyroidism, for example, may make a person feel alert and awake. Anxiety can cause a person to feel restless and sleepless.
Lifestyle Factors
Insomnia can be caused by a variety of lifestyle factors. When a person changes their lifestyle, insomnia can appear suddenly. Even if a person’s lifestyle has been unhealthy for years, it can still happen suddenly or gradually.
Some lifestyle factors include Trusted Source:
- Drinking too much caffeine before bed is a bad idea.
- Too much alcohol consumption
- Exercise before bed.
- Watching TV or using a mobile phone while in bed
- Think about or do stressful things before going to bed.
- an irregular sleep schedule
- Shift work can disrupt a person’s circadian rhythm.
Sleep Environment
Sleeping in a particular environment can be difficult.
A loud noise, an uncomfortable mattress, a hot room, or a change in sleeping environment can all contribute to sleep problems. A sudden change in a person’s sleeping environment may also trigger sudden insomnia.
Sleep disorders
Many sleep disorders cause insomnia. Sometimes it can happen suddenly. Some examples include trusted sources:
- Sleep apnea can cause breathing problems that wake a person repeatedly.
- Restless leg syndrome can cause people to move their legs repeatedly to relieve painful and unusual sensations.
- Circadian rhythm disorders disrupt the normal sleep-wake cycle of the body.
Mental Health
Anxiety by a Trusted Source A short-term stressor, such as moving or losing a job, can cause insomnia. Sleep problems can also be caused by mental issues, such as depression.
Physical Conditions
Sleeping can be uncomfortable or painful for a number of health conditions. Insomnia can be caused by chronic pain, headaches, or broken bones.
Treatment of the physical cause can help.
Find out more about the diagnosis of insomnia by doctors.
Sudden insomnia during early pregnancy
Insomnia and sleep problems are common during pregnancy.
A meta-analysis from 2021 (trusted source) reports that the prevalence of insomnia in pregnancy is 38.2%. However, other sources indicate a much higher figure.
According to a 2015 article in Trusted Source, between 66% and 94% of pregnant women report sleeping difficulties during pregnancy.
such as trusted sources, can cause sudden insomnia during early pregnancy.
- Morning sickness can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Progesterone increases, causing symptoms like sleepiness during the day and sleep apnea, as well as a cycle of excessive naps and frequent night waking.
- back pain
- Urination is more frequent.
All new symptoms of pregnancy should be discussed with a health professional.
Treatment
Treatment of sudden insomnia is dependent on the underlying cause, such as hyperthyroidism.
Treatments for insomnia that are not explained may include the source.
- Sleep Hygiene: Adopting strategies to make sleep easier is what “sleeping hygiene” means. It is important to use the bed solely for sleeping or having sex. You should also avoid watching TV in bed or using your phone.
- Consistent sleep habits: Regardless of how much sleep someone gets, going to bed at the same time every day and waking up at the same hour can be helpful. When a person is unable to fall asleep, they should get out of bed and do other things.
- Sleep restriction This is a reduction in the amount of sleep a person gets. It can make a person more tired and make it easier to fall asleep.
- Psychology: Therapy can help with mental health problems such as anxiety and depression. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBTI) as well as other insomnia treatments may help calm racing thoughts and encourage healthier sleeping habits.
Sleep medications are not intended for long-term use. It is important to use other treatments while using sleeping medications.
Complications
Insomnia is not a disease that progresses. It can, however, cause serious problems, including:
- Daytime sleepiness increases the risk of auto accidents and injuries.
- Intense fatigue can lead to depression, stress, or difficulty concentrating.
- Chronic fatigue and difficulty concentrating can cause problems at work or in relationships.
New research suggests that insomnia could also be a factor in other diseases.
A 2019 study that investigated cardiovascular disease incidence in half a million Chinese adults found insomnia to be a risk factor. It is not clear whether insomnia or sleep deprivation lead to cardiovascular disease or if they share similar disease pathways or risk factors.
