The main reasons for not being able to sleep include stress and anxiety, which keep the mind active and make it difficult to unwind. Other common causes are poor sleep habits such as irregular sleep schedules or using screens before bed, medical conditions like sleep apnea, pain, acid reflux, mental health disorders (depression, anxiety), and lifestyle factors like caffeine or alcohol consumption late in the day. Environmental issues such as noise, light, uncomfortable temperatures, and an unsuitable bedroom environment also contribute. Hormonal changes and age-related sleep pattern changes may further disrupt sleep. These causes can overlap and create cycles that worsen insomnia. For example, stress from not sleeping well can itself cause ongoing sleep problems. Medications and illnesses can also interfere with sleep quality. Improving sleep often requires addressing these underlying factors alongside good sleep hygiene practices like creating a dark, quiet, and cool sleep environment and avoiding stimulants late in the day.
