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| URL | https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty |
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| Meta Title | Can't Sleep? Causes and What to Do |
| Meta Description | Sleeping difficulty is when you have trouble sleeping at night. Learn what causes sleep issues and how they may be treated. |
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| Boilerpipe Text | Irregular sleeping could be a sign of a sleep disorder or an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. If home remedies don’t help you get to sleep, consider seeing a sleep specialist.
Sleep difficulty is when you have trouble sleeping at night. It may be hard for you to fall asleep, or you may wake up several times throughout the night.
Sleep difficulty may affect your physical and mental health.
Lack of sleep
may also cause you to have frequent headaches or trouble concentrating.
Most people experience
difficulty sleeping
at some point in their lives. Some people may feel refreshed after only 6 or 7 hours of sleep. However, most adults need about
8 hours
of sleep every night to feel rested.
There are many possible reasons for sleeplessness, including your sleeping habits, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions. Some causes are minor and may improve with self-care, while others may require you to seek medical attention.
Causes 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,
feeling excited
sleeping too much during the day
lack of exposure to sunlight
frequent urination
physical pain
jet lag
some prescription medications
For many people, stress, worry, depression, or work schedules may also affect their sleep.
For others, sleep issues are due to a
sleep disorder
. These can include:
insomnia
sleep apnea
restless legs syndrome
Sleeplessness may also occur in infants. It’s normal for newborns to wake up several times throughout the night.
However, between the ages of
3 and 6 months
, babies need fewer night feeds and may sleep for 5 to 8 hours.
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.
See a doctor if your sleeping difficulties are ongoing and affecting your quality of life. They’ll try to find the underlying cause of your sleeplessness by conducting a physical examination and asking questions about your sleep patterns.
During your appointment, be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements you take. Some medications and supplements cause overstimulation and can disrupt your sleep if taken too close to bedtime.
Also mention if you’re experiencing other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. These factors may also affect your ability to sleep.
To determine the cause of sleeplessness, your doctor may recommend that you keep a sleep diary.
Record your entire day’s activities and sleep habits. For example:
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
your quality of sleep
Keeping a sleep record helps your doctor pinpoint habits that may trigger sleep issues.
If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or another sleep disorder, they may schedule a sleep study test. For this test, you’ll spend the night in a hospital or sleep center.
A
sleep specialist
will observe you throughout the night. They may monitor your:
blood pressure,
heart rate,
breathing,
oxygen level,
brain waves
Lifestyle changes
Treatment for sleeplessness depends on its cause. In some cases, at-home remedies or simple lifestyle changes can improve the quality of your sleep. You may want to avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least a few hours before bed.
Limit any daytime napping to 30 minutes or none at all if possible.
Keep your bedroom dark and cool.
Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime.
Allow 7 to 8 hours for sleep each night.
Listen to soothing music.
Take a hot bath before bedtime.
Keep a regular sleep schedule.
Sleeping aids
You may also purchase some sleep aids without a prescription. However, sleep aids can cause daytime drowsiness if you don’t get a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep. Also, don’t use these products on a daily basis, as it may lead to dependency.
Remember to always read the directions closely and take the medication as directed.
Treating the underlying condition
If a medical condition or sleep disorder is causing your problems, you’ll need treatment for the underlying condition.
For example, if your sleep is affected by anxiety disorder or depression, your doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication to help you cope with worry, stress, and feelings of hopelessness.
Sleep problems can greatly affect your quality of life. However, there are strategies you can take to help improve your sleep and get a good night’s rest. You may even want to try nonprescription sleep aids for a short while, which are helpful for some people.
Talk with your doctor if your sleeping problems become frequent. Your doctor can help recommend various treatment methods. |
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Explore more in
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Insomnia
#### Related Hubs
[Sleep Health Routines and tips for healthier sleep](https://www.healthline.com/sleep)
[Sleep Disorders Here's all you need to know about sleep disorders, irregular sleep schedules, insomnia, when to see a specialist, and more.](https://www.healthline.com/sleep/disorders)
#### Related Topics
- ### Treatment
Treatment
#### Related Hub
[Medication & Treatments A guide to medications and treatments for sleep management](https://www.healthline.com/sleep/treatment)
#### Related Articles
- [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/how-to-cure-insomnia-in-12-minutes)
- [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-treatments)
- [Chronic](https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-insomnia)
- [Specialists](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-doctors)
- ### Types
Types
#### Related Articles
- [Types](https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-insomnia)
- [Paradoxical Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/paradoxical-insomnia)
- [Sporadic Fatal](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/sporadic-fatal-insomnia)
- [Middle](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/middle-insomnia)
- ### Prognosis
Prognosis
#### Related Articles
- [Outlook](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/infographic-facts-stats-on-insomnia)
- ### Symptoms
Symptoms
#### Related Articles
- [Effects on the Body](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-concerns)
- [Difficulty Sleeping](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty)
- ### Diagnosis
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- [In Men](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-in-men)
- ### Causes & Risk Factors
Causes & Risk Factors
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- ### Management
Management
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- [High Blood Pressure](https://www.healthline.com/health/high-blood-pressure/can-high-blood-pressure-cause-insomnia)
- [OCD](https://www.healthline.com/health/ocd/ocd-and-insomnia)
- [Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-vs-sleep-apnea)
- ### Complications
Complications
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# What You Should Know About Difficulty Sleeping

[Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() — [Updated on April 24, 2025]()
- [In adults](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty#in-adults)
- [In infants](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty#in-infants)
- [Diagnosis](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty#diagnosis)
- [Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty#treatment)
- [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleeping-difficulty#takeaway)
Irregular sleeping could be a sign of a sleep disorder or an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. If home remedies don’t help you get to sleep, consider seeing a sleep specialist.
Sleep difficulty is when you have trouble sleeping at night. It may be hard for you to fall asleep, or you may wake up several times throughout the night.
Sleep difficulty may affect your physical and mental health. [Lack of sleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-insomnia) may also cause you to have frequent headaches or trouble concentrating.
Most people experience [difficulty sleeping](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/treating-insomnia-and-depression) at some point in their lives. Some people may feel refreshed after only 6 or 7 hours of sleep. However, most adults need about [8 hours](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html) of sleep every night to feel rested.
## [What causes sleeping difficulties in adults?]()
There are many possible reasons for sleeplessness, including your sleeping habits, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions. Some causes are minor and may improve with self-care, while others may require you to seek medical attention.
Causes 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,
- feeling excited
- sleeping too much during the day
- lack of exposure to sunlight
- frequent urination
- physical pain
- jet lag
- some prescription medications
For many people, stress, worry, depression, or work schedules may also affect their sleep.
For others, sleep issues are due to a [sleep disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-treatments). These can include:
- [insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia)
- [sleep apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fighting-insomnia-with-therapy)
- restless legs syndrome
## [What causes sleeping difficulties in infants?]()
Sleeplessness may also occur in infants. It’s normal for newborns to wake up several times throughout the night. However, between the ages of [3 and 6 months](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep), babies need fewer night feeds and may sleep for 5 to 8 hours.
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.
## [How are sleeping disorders diagnosed?]()
See a doctor if your sleeping difficulties are ongoing and affecting your quality of life. They’ll try to find the underlying cause of your sleeplessness by conducting a physical examination and asking questions about your sleep patterns.
You can connect to a physician in your area using the [Healthline FindCare tool](https://care.healthline.com/find-care/specialty/primary-care-doctors?ref=global).
During your appointment, be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements you take. Some medications and supplements cause overstimulation and can disrupt your sleep if taken too close to bedtime.
Also mention if you’re experiencing other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. These factors may also affect your ability to sleep.
To determine the cause of sleeplessness, your doctor may recommend that you keep a sleep diary.
Record your entire day’s activities and sleep habits. For example:
- 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
- your quality of sleep
Keeping a sleep record helps your doctor pinpoint habits that may trigger sleep issues.
If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or another sleep disorder, they may schedule a sleep study test. For this test, you’ll spend the night in a hospital or sleep center.
A [sleep specialist](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-doctors) will observe you throughout the night. They may monitor your:
- blood pressure,
- heart rate,
- breathing,
- oxygen level,
- brain waves
## [What are the treatment options for difficulty sleeping?]()
### Lifestyle changes
Treatment for sleeplessness depends on its cause. In some cases, at-home remedies or simple lifestyle changes can improve the quality of your sleep. You may want to avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least a few hours before bed.
- Limit any daytime napping to 30 minutes or none at all if possible.
- Keep your bedroom dark and cool.
- Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime.
- Allow 7 to 8 hours for sleep each night.
- Listen to soothing music.
- Take a hot bath before bedtime.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule.
### Sleeping aids
You may also purchase some sleep aids without a prescription. However, sleep aids can cause daytime drowsiness if you don’t get a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep. Also, don’t use these products on a daily basis, as it may lead to dependency.
Remember to always read the directions closely and take the medication as directed.
### Treating the underlying condition
If a medical condition or sleep disorder is causing your problems, you’ll need treatment for the underlying condition.
For example, if your sleep is affected by anxiety disorder or depression, your doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication to help you cope with worry, stress, and feelings of hopelessness.
## [Takeaway]()
Sleep problems can greatly affect your quality of life. However, there are strategies you can take to help improve your sleep and get a good night’s rest. You may even want to try nonprescription sleep aids for a short while, which are helpful for some people.
Talk with your doctor if your sleeping problems become frequent. Your doctor can help recommend various treatment methods.
### How we reviewed this article:
Sources
History
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process).
- <https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep>
- Helping your baby to sleep. (2025).
- <https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html>
- How much sleep do I need? (2024).
- <http://www.sleepeducation.org/essentials-in-sleep/insomnia>
- What is insomnia? (2020).
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[Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() — Written by [Valencia Higuera]() — [Updated on April 24, 2025]()
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| Readable Markdown | Irregular sleeping could be a sign of a sleep disorder or an underlying medical condition requiring treatment. If home remedies don’t help you get to sleep, consider seeing a sleep specialist.
Sleep difficulty is when you have trouble sleeping at night. It may be hard for you to fall asleep, or you may wake up several times throughout the night.
Sleep difficulty may affect your physical and mental health. [Lack of sleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-insomnia) may also cause you to have frequent headaches or trouble concentrating.
Most people experience [difficulty sleeping](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia/treating-insomnia-and-depression) at some point in their lives. Some people may feel refreshed after only 6 or 7 hours of sleep. However, most adults need about [8 hours](https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html) of sleep every night to feel rested.
There are many possible reasons for sleeplessness, including your sleeping habits, lifestyle choices, and medical conditions. Some causes are minor and may improve with self-care, while others may require you to seek medical attention.
Causes 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,
- feeling excited
- sleeping too much during the day
- lack of exposure to sunlight
- frequent urination
- physical pain
- jet lag
- some prescription medications
For many people, stress, worry, depression, or work schedules may also affect their sleep.
For others, sleep issues are due to a [sleep disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-treatments). These can include:
- [insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia)
- [sleep apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/fighting-insomnia-with-therapy)
- restless legs syndrome
Sleeplessness may also occur in infants. It’s normal for newborns to wake up several times throughout the night. However, between the ages of [3 and 6 months](https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep), babies need fewer night feeds and may sleep for 5 to 8 hours.
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.
See a doctor if your sleeping difficulties are ongoing and affecting your quality of life. They’ll try to find the underlying cause of your sleeplessness by conducting a physical examination and asking questions about your sleep patterns.
During your appointment, be sure to tell your doctor about any prescription medications, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements you take. Some medications and supplements cause overstimulation and can disrupt your sleep if taken too close to bedtime.
Also mention if you’re experiencing other problems, such as depression, anxiety, or chronic pain. These factors may also affect your ability to sleep.
To determine the cause of sleeplessness, your doctor may recommend that you keep a sleep diary.
Record your entire day’s activities and sleep habits. For example:
- 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
- your quality of sleep
Keeping a sleep record helps your doctor pinpoint habits that may trigger sleep issues.
If your doctor suspects you have sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, or another sleep disorder, they may schedule a sleep study test. For this test, you’ll spend the night in a hospital or sleep center.
A [sleep specialist](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia-doctors) will observe you throughout the night. They may monitor your:
- blood pressure,
- heart rate,
- breathing,
- oxygen level,
- brain waves
Lifestyle changes
Treatment for sleeplessness depends on its cause. In some cases, at-home remedies or simple lifestyle changes can improve the quality of your sleep. You may want to avoid caffeine and alcohol for at least a few hours before bed.
- Limit any daytime napping to 30 minutes or none at all if possible.
- Keep your bedroom dark and cool.
- Avoid stimulating activities before bedtime.
- Allow 7 to 8 hours for sleep each night.
- Listen to soothing music.
- Take a hot bath before bedtime.
- Keep a regular sleep schedule.
Sleeping aids
You may also purchase some sleep aids without a prescription. However, sleep aids can cause daytime drowsiness if you don’t get a full 7 or 8 hours of sleep. Also, don’t use these products on a daily basis, as it may lead to dependency.
Remember to always read the directions closely and take the medication as directed.
Treating the underlying condition
If a medical condition or sleep disorder is causing your problems, you’ll need treatment for the underlying condition.
For example, if your sleep is affected by anxiety disorder or depression, your doctor may prescribe an anti-anxiety or antidepressant medication to help you cope with worry, stress, and feelings of hopelessness.
Sleep problems can greatly affect your quality of life. However, there are strategies you can take to help improve your sleep and get a good night’s rest. You may even want to try nonprescription sleep aids for a short while, which are helpful for some people.
Talk with your doctor if your sleeping problems become frequent. Your doctor can help recommend various treatment methods. |
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