People who have insomnia find it difficult to catch on good quality sleep. Either they cannot fall asleep or get up several times while resting. These sleep issues can be short-term or long-term, depending upon the reason responsible for the condition. If the cause of your lack of sleep is a medical problem, the sleep disorder can be chronic and may only be treated when your medical health condition has improved. For those interested in knowing what medical health problems can cause insomnia, we have prepared a list. Have a look!

Examples of medical conditions that cause insomnia

• Alzheimer’s disease:

People with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can make you feel unsettled at the time when they should be ideally going to bed. This condition is called sundowning or sundown syndrome. It makes people confused, anxious, aggressive, or restless around bedtime. As a result, individuals often resort to actions like pacing, rocking, or wandering off to feel better. This behaviour sometimes fades, but it often keeps people awake.

• Parkinson’s disease:

People suffering from this health issue are restless and wake up frequently through the night, unlike other people their age. This may interfere with their brain and nerve signalling, leading to sleep apnea and an irresistible urge to pee. Parkinson’s disease is also serious as it can disrupt REM sleep. Also, the condition may cause anxiety and depression, leading to sleeplessness.

• Pregnancy:

Most women who are pregnant report dealing with sleepless nights. The reasons can be several like trouble getting comfortable, vivid dreams, anxiety, heartburn or nausea, hormonal changes, frequent need to pee, back pain, or cramps. These reasons can cause restlessness and lead to sleep issues.

• Itching:

Itching is another condition that can keep you tossing and turning in your bed for a long time. You may develop psoriasis and eczema that can make your skin burn and itch badly. Nothing can distract you from this sensation. But, this problem can be solved easily as several creams and meds can stop this. It is best to consult a doctor before resorting to self-medication.

• Breathing problems:

If you snore loudly at night, you may have sleep apnea. In this condition, the breathing is cut off, which may disrupt your rest and cause you to get up from sleep hundreds of times at night. It can make you feel groggy and exhausted the next day. Besides, nasal allergies and asthma are some other possible conditions that interfere with your sleep.

• Stress:

One of the significant issues for sleep problems like insomnia is stress. In case of events like job loss or the death of a loved one, you may feel worried and spend some sleepless nights. In medical terms, this condition is called acute insomnia. Typically, it goes away on its own within a few nights. On the other hand, people who have long-term worries may develop an anxiety disorder, panic attacks, and PTSD that can lead to chronic insomnia.

So, these are a few medical health issues that can lead to insomnia.