Often caused by stress, may be caused by illness. Insomnia may be short-term, or last for many months. Insomnia may be prevented by avoiding caffeine 1 and establishing a good bedtime routine. A regular bedtime, quiet room, and darkness may make falling asleep easier. If insomnia is caused by stress or illness, finding the exact nature of the problem and treating it may help.
Some doctors suggest eating a high-carbohydrate snack before going to bed.
As people age, their bodies produce less Melatonin . This can lead to difficulty sleeping. Insomnia is often associated with a deficiency of tryptophan in the brain tissue. In these cases, supplementation with 5-HTP may be helpful. California Poppy has long been used to treat insomnia.