by Frances Stanford

Created on: January 20, 2011   Last Updated: January 24, 2011

Everyone experiences insomnia at some point in their lives. This sleep disorder is the inability to sleep and is not limited to adults as children often experience it as well. There are two types of insomnia – acute and chronic. Acute insomnia is shorter in duration than the chronic type, which can last for long periods of time. In short, the acute form of the disorder lasts less than three months in duration and often lasts only a few nights.

Acute insomnia often results from a change in daily habits. Travelling by plane for a lengthy period of time means that you cross several time zones and this disrupts the cycle of sleep and wakefulness.  Known as jet lag, this is one of the leading causes of the disorder.  Working shifts that change from daytime hours to nighttime hours often makes it hard to sleep when you should because it takes your body time to adjust to the changes in your schedule. One of the problems with shift work is that just as you get used to a schedule, it changes and you then experience a night or two of sleeplessness.

Sleeping in a different location, such as a hotel or another house, can also bring on acute insomnia. There may be different lighting or noises to which you are not accustomed and this will interrupt the sleep pattern. The scents in the room could also keep you from sleeping, especially if you have  sensitivity to scents, such as scented laundry detergent in which the bed linens were laundered.

The use of medications is another reason people experience acute insomnia. There are some cold medications designed to keep you awake so that you can carry out your usual daily tasks without becoming drowsy. If taken at bedtime, they can cause you to lose sleep, which you desperately need.

Those who are trying to curtail their smoking or drinking habits may also experience sleeplessness as the body adjusts to the lack of the substance. Pain can also keep you awake at night, but at least you do know the cause of the problem and can take medication to help you get to sleep.

Stress and worry is perhaps the main cause of acute insomnia. Being worried about anything at all will keep you awake even though you are not aware that it is causing you this problem. You may lay awake worrying about money or trying to come up with a solution to the problems that you are having. As a result your brain is in overdrive on the topic and no matter what you do, you are unable to sleep.

The good news about acute insomnia is that it is usually corrected over time and you will get the sleep you crave.

Source:

http://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/guide/insomnia- symptoms-and-causes

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