Medical Problems
Some medical diseases can cause or worsen insomnia. These problems are often intertwined. Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety frequently disturb sleep. Even diabetes, allergies, arthritis, heart disease, or high blood pressure can affect sleep. In fact, most medical problems affect sleep, which is why older people tend to sleep poorly due to accumulating medical conditions. If allergies are causing lots of snoring or coughing at night, then treating it may be more beneficial than not. If pain from arthritis is preventing sleep, then taking some plain Tylenol at night might help. Getting a good night sleep is so important to feeling good the next day and preventing other illnesses that it may be worth treating an otherwise minor problem.