life events | The Warm Milk Journal

What is keeping you awake at night?

Published October 24, 2011 | By Debra

If you have challenges with insomnia, what is causing it? It is often helpful to get some insight as to what is keeping us awake at night. If you have a journal I encourage you to write in it nightly and see if any patterns are there.

There are many different reasons for not getting a good night of sleep. For the longest time I had serious challenges with anxiety and worry. Nowadays, I sleep pretty well except for the fact that I have a snoring partner.

Here is a list of common reasons for insomnia:

1. anxiety

2. Worrying: about finances, health, children, job related issues

3. parents with babies and young children who have sleep issues

4. being pregnant

5. back pain

6. restless leg syndrome

7. stressful life events: marital troubles, divorce, job loss, unemployment, aging parents, death, a move

This is not meant to be an exhaustive list. If you are having trouble sleeping at night I do encourage you as mentioned before to:

1. write in your journal
2. talk to your doctor
3. get some support

Please know that you are not alone. You can get help. For years I did not think I would ever sleep well again and then for many years when I got on an anti-anxiety medication I did not think I would be able to sleep well without the help of that drug.

I have been off the medication for five years now. Most nights I sleep soundly. You can too.

Sometimes it helps to share our experiences. Not getting enough sleep can be so frustrating because you end up feeling irritated and physically and emotionally drained.

You are welcome to write in and comment here at The Warm Milk Journal. You may also write in at our Facebook page

Have a blessed day and restful night,

Debra