Insomnia may result from either psychological or physical causes.

The most common psychological problems include anxiety, stress, and depression. In fact, insomnia may be an indicator of depression. Many people will have insomnia during the acute phases of a mental illness.

Physiological causes span from circadian rhythm disorders, sleep-wake imbalance, to a variety of medical conditions. Following are the most common medical conditions that trigger insomnia:

Chronic pain syndromes

Congestive heart failure

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease (Often insomnia is the deciding factor for nursing home placement.)
 

Certain groups are at higher risk for developing insomnia:

Travelers

Shift workers

Seniors

Adolescent or young adult students

People with chronic pain, cardiopulmonary disease

Pregnant women

Women in menopause
 
Certain medications have been associated with insomnia. Among them are certain over-the-counter cold and asthma preparations.

The prescription varieties of these medications may also contain stimulants and thus produce similar effects on sleep.

Medications for high blood pressure have also been associated with poor sleep.
 
Common stimulants associated with poor sleep include caffeine and nicotine. You should consider not only restricting caffeine use in the hours immediately before bedtime but also limiting your total daily intake.

People often use alcohol to help induce sleep, as a nightcap. However, it is a poor choice. Alcohol is associated with sleep disruption and creates a sense of nonrefreshed sleep in the morning.

A disruptive bed partner with loud snoring or periodic leg movements also may impair your ability to get a good night's sleep.