When Sleep Problems Persist Long-Term, Rule Out These Hidden Causes

Home treatment usually is very effective for an occasional sleep problem. It may take a couple of weeks of home treatment to resolve the problem. It may take you some time to get into an established sleep routine that will promote better sleep.

When home treatment fails and you still are not getting the sleep you need to feel rested and alert during the day, it is important to investigate the reason for the sleep problem. A sleep problem may be a symptom of a medical condition, such as:

• Diabetes. A symptom of diabetes is drinking more fluids and urinating more often, especially at night (nocturia).
• An enlarged prostate. In men, an enlarged prostate may cause frequent urination at night.
• Arthritis. Pain from arthritis may keep you awake at night.
• Thyroid problems.
  • Having too much thyroid hormone (hyperthyroid) can cause insomnia and fatigue.
  • Having too little thyroid hormone (hypothyroid) can cause excessive daytime sleepiness.
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The symptoms of GERD may be more noticeable at night while you are lying down. GERD occurs more frequently with aging and is more common with sleep disorders.
• Heart or lung problems, such as coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or asthma. These conditions may cause chest pain or make it difficult for you to breathe at night.

Talk to your health professional about sleep problems that do not improve despite home treatment and prevent you from feeling rested during the day.