Idiopathic Insomnia Doesn’t Always Have a Cause

Insomnia can be one of the most irritating and antagonizing disorders that a person has to deal with, and can affect up to 40% of adults in the United States every year. Although there are many types of insomnia with many different factors contributing to their cause, one that can affect a person for their entire life is called idiopathic insomnia. Scientists actually do not know what causes the disorder, but it usually present from birth and can be attributed to an “underactive sleep system” in the brain.

Idiopathic insomnia usually exists without any other signifying mental or physical ailments and can thus be quite difficult to pinpoint and diagnose. It is usually characterized by multiple nighttime awakenings without cause, short amounts of sleeping time, and trouble falling asleep even when the body feels it is ready to do so. Because it is present from birth, however, those with the disorder are likely to have adjusted to it by their teens and do not usually exhibit any other social or medical difficulties as its result.

 One thing that puzzles scientists is idiopathic insomnia’s apparent lack or hereditary or genetic cause, and unlike most disorders, males and females are at equal risk of developing it. Because there are many forms and causes of insomnia, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose this particular one. Seeing your doctor is always the first step towards any treatment if you think you might have any kind of disorder. Your doctor will most likely have to run multiple tests multiple times to rule out any other forms of insomnia, as idiopathic insomnia is incredibly rare and difficult to diagnose. Treating this form of insomnia is similar to treating others, however treatments that would otherwise cure some forms of insomnia may only provide a fraction of the benefit for those with the idiopathic form.

 Practicing what is called proper “sleep hygiene” is of utmost importance when dealing with any sort of insomnia. This includes falling asleep at a consistent time on a nightly basis, having a comfortable and sleep suitable bed/sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation to help the mind slow down and transition in to the sleep cycle quickly. Although these are not a “cure” for any form of insomnia, and you may still awaken in the night, the quality of your sleep is likely to be much deeper and of better quality if you implement some of these practices.