What Causes Mysterious Insomnia?
If sleepless nights are the norm for you during any given week, you may be wondering about the cause. You’ve been tested for sleep apnea, you’ve read about pregnancy and insomnia but you’re not expecting and your doctor has even ruled out restless legs syndrome. So what’s causing your mysterious insomnia? Read this article to find out.
Food Allergies
Food allergies may seem like an unusual cause of sleepless nights but if you’re eating food your body cannot properly digest, it may not only cause gastrointestinal problems, but neurological problems as well. Gluten intolerance, for example, can cause your body to react with anxiety and restlessness, decreasing your ability to sleep properly.
Yellow #5, a food dye added to many candies, sodas and fruit drinks can also wreck havoc with your neurological system. It has been reported to cause insomnia in individuals sensitive to it. There are many health dangers associated with food dyes.
Intestinal Parasites
Another unusual cause of mysterious insomnia is intestinal parasites. Contrary to popular belief, intestinal parasites are not just a Third-World country concern. Up to 50% of the population is thought to be infected with intestinal parasites. Symptoms include gurgling intestines, anal itching, chronic diarrhea, skin rashes, yeast infections, multiple food allergies, sleepless nights, mania and even psychosis.
If these symptoms sound familiar, there are plenty of natural remedies for intestinal parasites you can try.
Vitamin Deficiencies or Overdoses
Poor diet and intestinal-related autoimmune disease are two common causes of vitamin deficiencies. Your mysterious insomnia may be related. Vitamin B12 deficiency (pernicious anemia) and magnesium deficiency are the two most common vitamin deficiencies that cause sleepless nights.
On the flip side, an overdose of vitamin B1 or spirulina can cause insomnia.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a metabolic disorder characterized by the thyroid gland producing too much of the hormones T3 and T4. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are nervousness, irritability, insomnia, heart palpitations, muscle weakness, hair loss and staring gaze.
If you suspect a thyroid disorder is responsible for your mysterious insomnia, get a diagnosis from your doctor. There are plenty of natural remedies for hyperthyroidism you can try once you get an accurate diagnosis.
Uncomfortable Sleeping Environment
Sometimes your sleepless nights can be caused by something as simple as an uncomfortable sleep environment. This could be anything from a mattress that’s too firm or soft, a snoring partner or loud neighbors. You may not wake up all the way, but if your sleep is continually disrupted, you’ll wake feeling groggy in the morning.
Be sure your sleeping environment is as relaxing as possible. Wear loose-fitting clothes, keep lights low and turn the clock facing away from your bed so you won’t keep staring at it each time you open you eyes. A small fan or ear plugs may be the only natural solutions for insomnia you’ll need to block out disruptive sounds.
Mysterious insomnia can have a negative impact on your work and social life. Weeks or months of sleepless nights can lead to serious health problems. Food allergies, vitamin deficiencies and an uncomfortable sleep environment can all contribute to this problem.
Getting to the source of your sleep troubles is the first step toward healthy rest. If your sleep problems still persist after a thorough investigation of your diet, physical health and environment, visit a naturopath for a second opinion.
