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Sleep Problems

Causes of Insomnia

Insomnia may be the only problem, but it is often triggered by stress, life events, underlying health problems or habits that disrupt or prevent sleep. Common causes include:

  • Sleep Apnea (serious)  causes you to stop and start breathing while you are asleep. You may make a gasping or choking noise while you sleep and wake often. You may not know you have this problem unless someone else (spouse, friend) notices it. It is caused by a partial blockage of the airway and you should contact your doctor. Sleep studies will tell if you have sleep apnea and how severe it is. It may not need any treatment. With more severe sleep apnea, you may need to wear a breathing device at night to keep your airway open. Sleeping pills can make sleep apnea worse.
  • Anxiety and Depression.  Sleep problems are common in people who deal with stress; early waking is common in depression. Concerns about work, health or other life events can all lead to loss of sleep. Also, see care guides for Anxiety and Depression.
  • Bipolar Disorder (serious).  For some people, their mood can change from depression to periods of happiness and overactivity (mania). This is called bipolar disorder (or manic depression). Insomnia may be a significant symptom whether mood is depressed or elated.
  • Other Sleep Problems. Sleep walking, sleep talking, night terrors, or nightmares can all affect ability to sleep.
  • Travel or Work Schedules. Your body has its own internal clock (circadian rhythm) which sets your sleep-wake cycle. Changing the normal rhythm due to shift work or travel across different time zones (jet lag) can lead to insomnia.
  • Medicines. Many meds can interfere with sleep. Talk to your doctor about your medicines if you think they might be affecting your sleep. Examples include:
    • antidepressants
    • blood pressure meds
    • asthma meds
    • some over-the-counter pain meds
    • allergy and cold meds
    • weight loss meds which contain caffeine or other stimulants
  • Health Problems:
    • Insomnia and/or daytime sleepiness can be caused by thyroid problems, diabetes, cancer, heart disease, asthma and other respiratory diseases, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and Alzheimer's disease.
    • Chronic pain from arthritis, nerve entrapments or injuries often affect sleep.
    • Urinary problems (prostate or bladder problems) may cause the need to pee several times during the night and interrupt sleep.
    • Treatment of the health problem may result in better sleep.
    • Limb movement disorders such as Parkinson's and restless leg syndrome may prevent sleep or wake the person from sleep.
    • Restless Leg syndrome  causes an overwhelming urge to move your legs. There may be a feeling of crawling or creeping in the feet or legs. It is usually worse at night and can prevent sleep. There may also be jerking movements while you are trying to sleep. Symptoms may come and go or be constant. The cause is unclear, but it may be linked to genetics, pregnancy, anemia or kidney failure.
  • Age. Insomnia is more common the older you get. You may become less physically and socially active and then be less tired and less able to sleep at the end of the day.