Struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep can be frustrating and exhausting. Sleep is essential for healing, balancing hormones, and keeping the body strong, yet many people find themselves staring at the ceiling night after night. Insomnia can have many causes and understanding them is the first step toward better rest.
One common reason for insomnia is high cortisol levels. Cortisol is the body’s stress hormone, and when it stays too high at night, it can keep the brain in an alert state. This makes it hard to wind down and fall asleep. Chronic stress, late-night screen time, and even over-exercising can contribute to elevated cortisol levels, making restful sleep nearly impossible.
Hormone imbalances also play a big role in sleep problems. Low progesterone, which is common in perimenopause and menopause, can cause restlessness and night waking. Estrogen fluctuations can lead to hot flashes and discomfort, making it difficult to stay asleep. Thyroid imbalances can also cause sleep disturbances, whether from an overactive thyroid causing a racing heart or an underactive thyroid leading to fatigue during the day and wakefulness at night.
Blood sugar imbalances may also be to blame. If blood sugar drops too low during the night, the body releases adrenaline to bring it back up. This sudden spike can cause middle-of-the-night wakeups and make it hard to get back to sleep. Eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and fiber throughout the day can help keep blood sugar steady and support better sleep.
Creating healthy sleep habits is one of the best ways to improve rest. A cool, dark, and quiet bedroom helps signal to the body that it’s time to sleep. Reducing screen time before bed, practicing relaxation techniques, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule can also help regulate the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle.
Poor sleep can impact energy, mood, and overall health, but insomnia does not have to be permanent. Identifying the root cause and making small but powerful changes can lead to deep, restorative sleep. A functional medicine approach helps uncover hidden imbalances and provides solutions to help the body rest, recover, and feel its best again.