
Your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, oxygen level, and brain waves will be monitored for any signs of a sleep disorder. For this test, you’ll spend the night in a hospital or sleep center.Ī sleep specialist will observe you throughout the night. If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or another sleep disorder, they may schedule a sleep study test. Keeping a sleep record helps your doctor pinpoint habits that may trigger sleep issues. You should record your entire day’s activities and sleep habits, such as the time you went to bed, the time you woke up, the amount of food and the drinks you consumed, your mood, any medications you took, your activity level, and your quality of sleep. To determine the cause of sleeplessness, your doctor may recommend that you keep a sleep diary. These factors may also affect your ability to sleep. You should also mention if you’re experiencing other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. Some medications and supplements cause overstimulation and can disrupt your sleep if taken too close to bedtime. You can connect to a physician in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.ĭuring your appointment, be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements that you take.

They’ll attempt to find the underlying cause of your sleeplessness by conducting a physical examination and asking questions about your sleep patterns.

You should see a doctor if your sleeping difficulties are ongoing and affecting your quality of life. If an older infant is showing signs of sleeplessness, it may be a sign that they’re teething, sick, hungry, or bothered by gas or digestive problems. However, most infants will start to sleep through the night after they’re 6 months old.

It’s normal for newborns to wake up several times throughout the night. For others, sleep issues are due to a sleep disorder such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Sleeping too much during the day, lack of exposure to sunlight, frequent urination, physical pain, jet lag, and some prescription medications may also lead to difficulty sleeping.įor many people, stress, worry, depression, or work schedules may also affect their sleep. Some causes are minor and may improve with self-care, while others may require you to seek medical attention.Ĭauses of sleeplessness may include aging, too much stimulation before bedtime (such as watching television, playing video games, or exercising), consuming too much caffeine, noise disturbances, an uncomfortable bedroom, or a feeling of excitement. There are many possible reasons for sleeplessness, including your sleeping habits, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions. What causes sleeping difficulties? In adults
