Common Medical Causes

• Conditions such as sleep apnea (where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep), restless leg syndrome (an uncontrollable urge to move the legs), and chronic pain can significantly disrupt sleep quality and duration.

Psychological Factors

• Stress, anxiety, and depression are common psychological contributors that can interfere with falling asleep or staying asleep, impacting overall sleep quality.

Lifestyle and Environmental Influences

• Habits like consuming caffeine or heavy meals close to bedtime, excessive screen time before sleep, irregular sleep schedules, and sleeping in a noisy or uncomfortable environment can all negatively affect sleep.

Medications and Substances

• Certain medications, as well as alcohol and nicotine, can interfere with normal sleep patterns by either causing difficulty falling asleep or disrupting sleep cycles.

Sleep Disorders

• Primary sleep disorders such as insomnia (difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep), narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness), and circadian rhythm disorders (misalignment of the internal body clock) may be underlying causes.

When to Seek Medical Advice

• If sleep problems persist, worsen, or significantly affect daily functioning, it is important to consult a sleep medicine specialist or a neurologist for thorough evaluation and management. Early professional assessment can help identify specific causes and guide effective treatment.