Difficulty Sleeping
What You Should Know About Difficulty Sleeping
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that can make it hard for you to fall asleep, wake up several times throughout the night, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to get back to sleep.
Signs of sleeping difficulty may include an inability to focus during the day, frequent headaches, irritability, daytime fatigue, waking up too early, waking up throughout the night, or taking several hours to fall asleep.
Sleep difficulty may affect your wellness and success.
Insomnia symptoms & Signs
- Difficulty falling asleep at night
- Waking up during the night
- Waking up too early
- Not feeling well-rested after a night's sleep
- Daytime tiredness or sleepiness
- Irritability
- Difficulty concentrating
- Increased work errors or accidents
Insomnia Causes
Insomnia may be the primary problem, or it may be associated with other conditions.
Common causes of chronic insomnia include:
- Stress.
- Travel or work schedule. Your circadian rhythms act as an internal clock, guiding such things as your sleep-wake cycle, metabolism and body temperature. Disrupting your body's circadian rhythms can lead to insomnia.
- Poor sleep habits, including an irregular bedtime schedule, naps, stimulating activities before bed, an uncomfortable sleep environment, and using your bed for work, eating or watching TV. Computers, TVs, video games, smartphones or other screens just before bed can interfere with your sleep cycle.
- Eating too much late in the evening.
- Caffeine and nicotine are stimulants.
- Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but it prevents deeper stages of sleep and often causes awakening in the middle of the night.
- Mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety.
- Medications, such as certain antidepressants and medications for asthma or blood pressure. Many over-the-counter medications, such as some pain medications, allergy and cold medications, and weight-loss products that contain caffeine and other stimulants.
- Medical conditions, including chronic pain, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, asthma, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), overactive thyroid, Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
- Sleep apnea causes you to stop breathing periodically throughout the night, interrupting your sleep.
- Restless legs syndrome causes unpleasant sensations in your legs and an almost irresistible desire to move them, which may prevent you from falling asleep.
When To Screen Yourself For A Sleep Disorder
If you are complaining of daytime sleepiness and tiredness, or if you are having difficulty sleeping at night, you may have an undiagnosed sleep disorder.
