Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are quite common, affecting approximately 40 million people in the United States alone. Different types of sleeping disorders can have different causes and symptoms.
 
 
Over 70 sleeping disorders are recognized by the U.S. medical community. These are generally put into three categories:
  • disturbed sleep (such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome)
  • excessive sleep (such as narcolepsy)
  • lack of sleep (such as insomnia).

So what causes sleep disorders? Here are just a few of the most common causes of sleeping disorders:

  • aging
  • alcohol
  • caffeine
  • diet
  • genetics
  • hormones
  • illness (mental or physical)
  • irregular work hours
  • medications
  • stress.
Older adults have a harder time staying asleep for long periods of time than do younger people. Alcohol, caffeine and other types of food and beverage can all have an effect on sleep.
 
Genetics can also play a role in causing sleep disorders, especially when conditions such as narcolepsy are concerned.
 
Irregular work hours or night shifts can confuse the body’s inner clock, making it likely that a person will develop a sleeping disorder.
 
In this section, we cover all possible causes of sleep disorders, including fatigue, stress, food, drugs, alcohol and more. We’ll also explore the complex relationship between sleep and menopause and provide information on sleeping disorders in children.

Sleep and Stress

Stress and sleep have a somewhat circular relationship. Stress can prevent people from falling to sleep and getting enough sleep. However, not getting enough sleep can also cause stress and anxiety.
 
Stress can have a negative effect on sleep and may cause people to wake at odd hours for no apparent reason. They may thereafter have trouble falling back to sleep.
 
Keeping a journal or diary may help you unwind and release some stress, as can exercises such as yoga. Taking a hot bath before bed may also help with sleep and stress.

Drugs and Sleep

Drugs and alcohol can have a marked effect on sleep. This includes both legal and illegal drugs, prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
 
With prescription drugs, your doctor may recommend sleep aids or practices that will help you overcome any side effects the drug has on sleep and the sleep cycle.
 
Other types of drug and alcohol use may cause occasional or chronic sleeping problems. While not everyone experiences sleeping disorders along with drug or alcohol use or abuse, studies show that there is a strong relationship between drugs and sleep.

Menopause and Sleep

Because of the hormonal changes involved with menopause, many women experience negative changes in sleep patterns.
 
Hot flashes and frequent urination are just a few of the menopause symptoms that affect sleep quality. Hot flashes can bring women out of deep sleep or may even wake them up during the night. The need to urinate more frequently than usual also affects continuity of sleep for menopausal women.
 
Some women find that hormone replacement, such as estrogen replacement therapy (ERT) lessens these symptoms and therefore increases quality of sleep. However, some women who undergo ERT still experience a negative association between menopause and sleep.
 
Resources
 
Neurology Channel (2000). Sleep Disorders: Causes. Retrieved January 2, 2008, from the Neurology Channel Web site: http://www.neurologychannel.com/sleepdisorders/causes.shtml.