Childhood Money Troubles Lead to Insomnia Later

Times of financial uncertainty are understandably cause for insomnia. Worry about how to pay the mortgage and put food on the table kept many women awake in bed during the height of the recession in late 2008.

In 20 years, many of their children will struggle to sleep, regardless of their financial state. Growing up in a family with financial difficulties raises the risk of insomnia later in life, a new study found.

The findings published in the September issue of the journal Sleep Medicine shows how difficult economic times can affect us our entire lives.

The study surveyed 8960 government employees in Helsinki, Finland about their economic circumstances and quality of sleep. The economic portion of the survey addressed childhood and current economic difficulties, education, occupation, household income and years lived in current home. Responders who complained of difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep or getting unrestful sleep had insomnia in the study.

Statistical analysis shows both men and women who had childhood economic difficulties had more frequent complaints of insomnia than their peers. Oddly, current economic conditions affected the sleep of women but not men.

Insomnia stemming from past economic problems affects the rich and the poor. The authors report the findings were the same regardless of level of education, tax bracket, age, marital status.

The study doesn’t provide an explanation for the phenomenon because statistical analysis can’t demonstrate causality.

You can’t control the past or the forces influencing the world economy, but you can control your insomnia. Learn how you can improve your sleep hygiene at Sleepeducation or see a sleep specialist at an AASM Accredited sleep center for cognitive-behavioral therapy.