TREATMENTS &
RESEARCH

Search the
latest
treatment
information
here.

Dr. Huntley's
Diagnosis
Checklist

Have a symptom?
See what questions
a doctor would ask.
 
Next Prev
Diseases » Sleep disorders » Causes
 

Causes of Sleep disorders

Contents
  1. Sleep disorders: Introduction
  2. Drugs/substances (9 causes)
  3. Drug interaction (32 causes)
  4. Excerpts from book chapters
  5. Complication causes
  6. Causes of symptoms
  7. News
  8. Related cause information

Sleep disorders Causes: Book Excerpts

Sleep disorders as a complication of other conditions:

Other conditions that might have Sleep disorders as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Sleep disorders. Our database lists the following as having Sleep disorders as a complication of that condition:

Sleep disorders as a symptom:

Conditions listing Sleep disorders as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Sleep disorders. Our database lists the following as having Sleep disorders as a symptom of that condition:

Medications or substances causing Sleep disorders:

The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible causes of Sleep disorders as a symptom. This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

See full list of 9 medications causing Sleep disorders


Drug interactions causing Sleep disorders:

When combined, certain drugs, medications, substances or toxins may react causing Sleep disorders as a symptom.

The list below is incomplete and various other drugs or substances may cause your symptoms. Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using, including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.

  • Tagamet (Cimetidine) and Adalat (Nifedipine) interaction
  • Tagamet (Cimetidine) and Procardia (Nifedipine) interaction
  • Grapefruit juice and Calan (Verapamil) interaction
  • Grapefruit juice and Isoptin (Verapamil) interaction
  • Grapefruit juice and Verelan (Verapamil) interaction
  • more interactions...»

See full list of 32 drug interactions causing Sleep disorders

What causes Sleep disorders?

Article excerpts about the causes of Sleep disorders:
Sleep disorders may have a number of causes, depending on the particular illness. In the case of sleep apnea, for example, the disorder develops from specific causes, while narcolepsy (a condition of unexpected waves of falling asleep) has no known cause. (Source: excerpt from Sleep Disorders: NWHIC)

Medical news summaries relating to Sleep disorders:

The following medical news items are relevant to causes of Sleep disorders:

Related information on causes of Sleep disorders:

As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Sleep disorders may be found in:

Causes of Sleep disorders: Online Medical Books

16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Sleep disorders.

Insomnia: Differential Diagnosis
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)

  • Unnecessary concern about deviation from “normal” sleeping patterns
  • Acute, transient insomnia (<4 weeks)
    –Situational stress (most common)
    –Acute illness or injury
    –Medications or drugs (e.g., cocaine)
    –Change in sleep environment or hours
  • Chronic insomnia (>4 weeks)
    –Difficulty falling asleep: May be due to poor sleep hygiene, conditioned insomnia (initial acute insomnia progresses to chronic due to maladaptive distorted sleep cognitions), medications (e.g., sedatives, decongestants, oral contraceptive use, antidepressants, bronchodilators), drugs (including over-the-counter and herbal preparations, alcohol, nicotine, illicit drugs), and caffeine (e.g., coffee, soda, medications)
    –Difficulty staying asleep: May be due to sleep apnea, medications and drugs (e.g., alcohol), depression, anxiety, dementia, psychosis, mania, post-traumatic stress disorder, and various medical conditions (e.g., COPD, asthma, CHF, angina, GERD, peptic ulcer disease, IBD, BPH, UTI, pregnancy, uremia, diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, menopause, pain, pruritus, seizures)
  • RLS
    –“Creepy-crawly” unpleasant sensations in the legs and/or feet
    –Temporarily relieved by moving limbs
  • Periodic limb movement disorder
    –Arms and/or legs jerk during sleep
    –May be a primary disorder or secondary to uremia, neuropathy, or iron deficiency
    –Often in the elderly
    –Often occurs with restless legs syndrome
  • Narcolepsy
  • REM-behavior disorder
    –Rare, mostly in elderly
    –Thrashing or seemingly purposeful behaviors during sleep
  • Prion fatal familial insomnia

    • >

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004

    Insomnia: Medical causes
    (Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))

    Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

    Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake after long-term use causes insomnia that may persist for up to 2 years

    Other early effects of this acute syndrome include excessive diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, restlessness, irritability, a headache, nausea, flushing, and nightmares. Progression to delirium tremens produces confusion, disorientation, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and seizures.

    Generalized anxiety disorder

    Anxiety can cause chronic insomnia as well as symptoms of tension, such as fatigue and restlessness; signs of autonomic hyperactivity, such as diaphoresis, dyspepsia, and high resting pulse and respiratory rates; and signs of apprehension.

    Mood (affective) disorders

    Depression commonly causes chronic insomnia with difficulty falling asleep, waking and being unable to fall back to sleep, or waking early in the morning

    Related findings include dysphoria (a primary symptom), decreased appetite with weight loss or increased appetite with weight gain, and psychomotor agitation or retardation. The patient experiences loss of interest in his usual activities, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death.

    Manic episodes produce a decreased need for sleep with an elevated mood and irritability. Related findings include increased energy and activity, fast speech, speeding thoughts, inflated self-esteem, easy distractibility, and involvement in high-risk activities such as reckless driving.

    Nocturnal myoclonus

    With nocturnal myoclonus, a seizure disorder, involuntary and fleeting muscle jerks of the legs occur every 20 to 40 seconds, disturbing sleep.

    Sleep apnea syndrome

    Apneic periods begin with the onset of sleep, continue for 10 to 90 seconds, and end with a series of gasps and arousal

    With central sleep apnea, respiratory movement ceases for the apneic period; with obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction blocks incoming air, although breathing movements continue. Some patients display both types of apnea. Repeated possibly hundreds of times during the night, this cycle alternates with bradycardia and tachycardia. Associated findings include a morning headache, daytime fatigue, hypertension, ankle edema, and personality changes, such as hostility, paranoia, and agitated depression.

    Thyrotoxicosis

    Difficulty falling asleep and then sleeping for only a brief period is one of the characteristic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis

    Cardiopulmonary features include dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, and an atrial or a ventricular gallop. Other findings include weight loss despite increased appetite, diarrhea, tremors, nervousness, diaphoresis, hypersensitivity to heat, an enlarged thyroid, and exophthalmos.

    Other causes

    Drugs

    Use of, abuse of, or withdrawal from sedatives or hypnotics may produce insomnia

    CNS stimulants — including amphetamines, theophylline derivatives, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, cocaine, and caffeinated beverages — may also produce insomnia.

    Herb alert

    Herbal remedies, such as ginseng and green tea, can also cause insomnia.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006

    Insomnia: Medical causes
    (Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))

    Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

    Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake after long-term use causes insomnia that may persist for up to 2 years. Other early effects of this acute syndrome include excessive diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, restlessness, irritability, headache, nausea, flushing, and nightmares. Progression to delirium tremens produces confusion, disorientation, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and seizures.

    Generalized anxiety disorder

    Anxiety can cause chronic insomnia as well as symptoms of tension, such as fatigue and restlessness; signs of autonomic hyperactivity, such as diaphoresis, dyspepsia, and high resting pulse and respiratory rates; and signs of apprehension.

    Mood (affective) disorders

    Depression commonly causes chronic insomnia with difficulty falling asleep, waking and being unable to fall back to sleep, or waking early in the morning. Related findings include dysphoria (a primary symptom), decreased appetite with weight loss or increased appetite with weight gain, and psychomotor agitation or retardation. The patient experiences loss of interest in his usual activities, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death.

    Manic episodes produce a decreased need for sleep with an elevated mood and irritability. Related findings include increased energy and activity, fast speech, speeding thoughts, inflated self-esteem, easy distractibility, and involvement in high-risk activities such as reckless driving.

    Nocturnal myoclonus

    With this seizure disorder, involuntary and fleeting muscle jerks of the legs occur every 20 to 40 seconds, disturbing sleep.

    Pain

    Almost any condition that causes pain can cause insomnia. Related findings reflect the specific cause.

    Pheochromocytoma

    This rare disorder causes paroxysms of acute hypermetabolic activity, which can prevent or interrupt sleep. Its cardinal sign is severe hypertension, which may be sustained between attacks. Other effects include headache, palpitations, and anxiety.

    Pruritus

    Localized skin infections and systemic disorders, such as liver failure, can cause pruritus, resulting in insomnia.

    Sleep apnea syndrome

    Apneic periods begin with the onset of sleep, continue for 10 to 90 seconds, and end with a series of gasps and arousal. With central sleep apnea, respiratory movement ceases for the apneic period; with obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction blocks incoming air, although breathing movements continue. Some patients display both types of apnea. Repeated possibly hundreds of times during the night, this cycle alternates with bradycardia and tachycardia. Associated findings include morning headache, daytime fatigue, hypertension, ankle edema, and personality changes, such as hostility, paranoia, and agitated depression.

    Thyrotoxicosis

    Difficulty falling asleep and then sleeping for only a brief period is one of the characteristic symptoms of this disorder. Cardiopulmonary features include dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, and atrial or ventricular gallop. Other findings include weight loss despite increased appetite, diarrhea, tremors, nervousness, diaphoresis, hypersensitivity to heat, an enlarged thyroid, and exophthalmos.

    Other causes

    Drugs

    Use of, abuse of, or withdrawal from sedatives or hypnotics may produce insomnia. CNS stimulants—including amphetamines, theophylline derivatives, pseudoephedrine, cocaine, and caffeinated beverages—may also produce insomnia.

    Herb Alert

    Herbal remedies, such as ginseng and green tea, can also cause insomnia.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006

    Sleep Disorders: Differential Overview
    (Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis)

    Insomnia

    ❑ Stress

    ❑ Drugs

    ❑ Medical disorders

    ❑ Phase shift

    ❑ Sleep apnea

    ❑ Conditioned insomnia

    ❑ Depression

    ❑ Restless leg syndrome

    ❑ Nocturnal myoclonus

    ❑ Nightmares

    Hypersomnia

    ❑ Drugs

    ❑ Medical disorders

    ❑ Adolescence

    ❑ Narcolepsy

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Field Guide to Bedside Diagnosis, 2007

    Insomnia: Medical causes
    (Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)

    Alcohol withdrawal syndrome

    Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake after long-term use causes insomnia that may persist for up to 2 years. Other early effects of this acute syndrome include excessive diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, restlessness, irritability, headache, nausea, flushing, and nightmares. Progression to delirium tremens produces confusion, disorientation, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and seizures.

    Depression

    Depression commonly causes chronic insomnia with difficulty falling asleep, waking and being unable to fall back to sleep, or waking early in the morning. Related findings include dysphoria (a primary symptom), decreased appetite with weight loss or increased appetite with weight gain, and psychomotor agitation or retardation. The patient experiences loss of interest in his usual activities, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death.

    Generalized anxiety disorder

    Anxiety can cause chronic insomnia as well as symptoms of tension, such as fatigue and restlessness; signs of autonomic hyperactivity, such as diaphoresis, dyspepsia, and high resting pulse and respiratory rates; and signs of apprehension.

    Nocturnal myoclonus

    With nocturnal myoclonus, a seizure disorder, involuntary and fleeting muscle jerks of the legs occur every 20 to 40 seconds, disturbing sleep. The patient typically reports poor sleep and daytime somnolescence.

    Pain

    Almost any condition that causes pain can also cause insomnia. Related findings reflect the specific cause. Behavioral responses that may accompany pain include altered body position, moaning, grimacing, withdrawal, crying, restlessness, muscle twitching, and immobility. With mild or moderate pain the patient may have pallor, elevated blood pressure, dilated pupils, skeletal muscle tension, dyspnea, tachycardia, and diaphoresis. Severe, deep pain may produce pallor, decreased blood pressure, bradycardia, nausea and vomiting, weakness, dizziness, and loss of consciousness.

    Pruritus

    Localized skin infections and systemic disorders, such as liver failure, can cause pruritus, resulting in insomnia. The patient may report scratching as a way to relieve the itching.

    Sleep apnea syndrome

    Apneic periods begin with the onset of sleep, continue for 10 to 90 seconds, and end with a series of gasps and arousal. With central sleep apnea, respiratory movement ceases for the apneic period; with obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction blocks incoming air, although breathing movements continue. Repeated possibly hundreds of times during the night, this cycle alternates with bradycardia and tachycardia. Associated findings include morning headache, daytime fatigue, hypertension, ankle edema, and personality changes, such as hostility, paranoia, and agitated depression.

    Thyrotoxicosis

    Difficulty falling asleep and then sleeping for only a brief period is one of the characteristic symptoms of thyrotoxicosis. Cardiopulmonary features include dyspnea, tachycardia, palpitations, and atrial or ventricular gallop. Other findings include weight loss despite increased appetite, diarrhea, tremors, nervousness, diaphoresis, hypersensitivity to heat, an enlarged thyroid, and exophthalmos.

    Other causes

    Drugs

    Use of, abuse of, or withdrawal from sedatives or hypnotics may produce insomnia. CNS stimulants—including amphetamines, theophylline derivatives, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, cocaine, and caffeinated beverages—may also produce insomnia.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007

    Insomnia: Medical causes
    (Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)

    Alcohol withdrawal syndrome.Abrupt cessation of alcohol intake after long-term use causes insomnia that may persist for up to 2 years. Other early effects of this acute syndrome include excessive diaphoresis, tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, restlessness, irritability, a headache, nausea, flushing, and nightmares. Progression to delirium tremens produces confusion, disorientation, paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, and seizures.

    Generalized anxiety disorder.Anxiety can cause chronic insomnia as well as symptoms of tension, such as fatigue and restlessness; signs of autonomic hyperactivity, such as diaphoresis, dyspepsia, and high resting pulse and respiratory rates; and signs of apprehension.

    Mood (affective) disorders.Depression commonly causes chronic insomnia with difficulty falling asleep, waking and being unable to fall back to sleep, or waking early in the morning. Related findings include dysphoria (a primary symptom), decreased appetite with weight loss or increased appetite with weight gain, and psychomotor agitation or retardation. The patient experiences loss of interest in his usual activities, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, indecisiveness, and recurrent thoughts of death.

    Manic episodes produce a decreased need for sleep with an elevated mood and irritability. Related findings include increased energy and activity, fast speech, speeding thoughts, inflated self-esteem, easy distractibility, and involvement in high-risk activities such as reckless driving.

    Nocturnal myoclonus (also known asperiodic limb movement disorder). With nocturnal myoclonus, a seizure disorder, involuntary and fleeting muscle jerks of the legs occur every 20 to 40 seconds, disturbing sleep.

    Restless leg syndrome.With restless leg syndrome, uncomfortable sensations in the legs cause uncontrollable urges to move the limbs. Although movement brings relief, sleep is usually disrupted, causing insomnia, which may be severe.

    Sleep apnea syndrome.With sleep apnea syndrome, apneic periods begin with the onset of sleep, continue for 10 to 90 seconds, and end with a series of gasps and arousal. With central sleep apnea, respiratory movement ceases for the apneic period; with obstructive sleep apnea, upper airway obstruction blocks incoming air, although breathing movements continue. Some patients display both types of apnea. Repeated possibly hundreds of times during the night, this cycle alternates with bradycardia and tachycardia. Associated findings include a morning headache, daytime fatigue, hypertension, ankle edema, and personality changes, such as hostility, paranoia, and agitated depression.

    Other causes

    Drugs.Use of, abuse of, or withdrawal from sedatives or hypnotics may produce insomnia. CNS stimulants—including amphetamines, theophylline derivatives, pseudoephedrine, cocaine, and caffeinated beverages—may also produce insomnia.

    » READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »

    Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007


     » Next page: Risk Factors for Sleep disorders

    Rate This Website

    What do you think about the features of this website? Take our user survey and have your say:

    Website User Survey

    Medical Tools & Articles:

    Next articles:

    Tools & Services:

    Medical Articles:

    Forums & Message Boards
     
    HONcode We subscribe to the HONcode principles

    By using this site you agree to our Terms of Use. Information provided on this site is for informational purposes only; it is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own medical team. The information on this site is not to be used for diagnosing or treating any health concerns you may have - please contact your physician or health care professional for all your medical needs. Please see our Terms of Use.

    Home | Symptoms | Diseases | Diagnosis | Videos | Tools | Forum | About Us | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site Map | Advertise

    Copyright © 2009 Health Grades Inc. All rights reserved.