Up to 50% of people in the US report experiencing some insomnia symptoms throughout their lifetimes, with 10% of those reporting persistent sleep difficulties. Those aren’t small numbers yet, when you’re experiencing insomnia, it can feel like you’re entirely alone in the world. Worse, the issue can very quickly take a toll on everything from your mental well-being to your physical health.
Luckily, experts are now far more aware of the causes, and potential cures, of insomnia than ever before. Instead of simply prescribing sleeping pills, many experts are even turning to alternative solutions, including natural focuses like yoga, meditation, and even the medical marijuana available from dispensaries like Verilife. Still, it would be naive to assume that we now know everything there is to know about insomnia and its causes.
Even the best minds still admit to certain blind spots where insomnia is concerned. As a patient, you probably know even less about what’s causing this problem. Unfortunately, we aren’t experts, and we can’t tell you everything there is to know about your case (you’ll need to visit your doctor for that!). We can, however, lighten the load with three surprising facts about insomnia that you definitely didn’t know before reading this article!
# 1 – Insomnia can be Hereditary
While it’s not necessarily true in your case, evidence suggests that insomnia can be hereditary as a result of certain genetic variations on chromosomes 7 and 9. Studies have also found that around 35% of people experiencing insomnia have a history of the problem in their families.
In other words, while you’re desperately considering what’s going on in your life to make this happen, there’s every chance that you simply have your family to blame. That could free you to focus on potential solutions, without necessarily needing to unpick your psyche.
# 2 – Women are Almost Doubly at Risk
Gender probably hasn’t featured in your insomnia musings, but perhaps it should. According to the National Sleep Foundation, women are 40% more likely to experience insomnia than men.
While it’s hard to specify a reason for this considering that women often also have increased caregiving responsibilities overnight, experts believe that hormone changes during the menstrual cycle could play a role. Women don’t even get a break after menopause, because sleep problems become more prevalent both during and after this lifestyle change when issues like night sweats and weakened hormonal signals can also lead to increased wakeups.
Attempting to eat right for hormone health, and also trying techniques like sleeping in a cool room, could all help if this is the problem.
# 3 – Pets Experience Insomnia, Too
While it isn’t exactly going to lead to any additional wellness hacks or insights, you might also be interested to learn that pets experience insomnia, too. Experts have particularly noted canine insomnia, which has suspected causes including anxiety, chronic medical conditions, and even a lack of exercise.
So, next time you’re awake, it might be worth checking on your dog, too. At least, then, you would be in things together!