How Insomnia May Arise From the Abdomen

"Insomnia is an unpleasant event that many of us have experienced. While we try to fall asleep, sleep seems to elude us. This creates stress, which further worsens insomnia. A flood of negative thoughts, worries, and anxieties can rob us of calm and peace, turning sleep into a nightly struggle. This excessive effort keeps the brain on high alert, making our nervous system more active instead of calming it down."

"Insomnia is not just a physical problem; it encompasses several profound neurological and psychological aspects. Neuroscience offers a distinct perspective on this phenomenon. Sleep is a highly active and complex brain process regulated by various neurotransmitters and brain structures. Hormones such as melatonin and neurotransmitters like GABA play key roles in initiating and maintaining sleep. Disruptions in the balance of these chemicals or impairments in the brain regions responsible for regulating the body clock ( circadian rhythms) can lead to insomnia. Ultimately, insomnia is not merely an inability to fall asleep, but a manifestation of the complex interplay between mind and body, where mental health and brain function are closely intertwined. Understanding these psychological and neurological factors allows us to approach insomnia from a more holistic perspective and develop more effective solutions to address it."

Insomnia affects 10–30% of adults and involves complex interactions between brain chemistry, mental states, and peripheral bodily systems. Stress and anxious rumination perpetuate wakefulness by keeping brain arousal high. Neurotransmitters and hormones such as GABA and melatonin, along with circadian-regulating brain regions, are central to initiating and maintaining sleep. Peripheral inflammation can impair brain function and mood, and gut microbes participate bidirectionally in sleep regulation. Combining brain-targeted therapies with interventions that modulate the microbiome offers a broader, more integrated strategy for treating chronic insomnia.

Read at Psychology Today