Sleep problems may be caused by a variety of common medical illnesses and treatments.
Medication side effects can cause unwanted drowsiness, insomnia and other sleep problems.
Good sleep habits can improve your sleep when you have a medical illness.
Medication side effects can cause unwanted drowsiness, insomnia and other sleep problems.
Common medical problems that can cause poor sleep include heart and kidney disease, breathing problems, cancer and diabetes.
You may have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep if you have pain, limited movement or other symptoms from a medical problem. You tend to have more chronic health problems as you age. As a result, poor sleep due to a medical problem is most common in older adults.
Heartburn
Diabetes
Cancer
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Nighttime urination
Thyroid disease
Breathing problems
Muscle and bone disorders
Heart disease and high blood pressure
Breathing problems
Cough, cold, flu and allergies
Thyroid disease
Depression and anxiety
Pain
Sleep problems may arise during a hospital stay. Noise, light, extreme temperatures and interruptions can disrupt your sleep in the hospital. These sleep problems may continue after you return home.
Good sleep habits can help you sleep better. Tips to help you sleep with a medical problem include:
Obtain and maintain a healthy body weight.
Exercise each day at a pace that feels comfortable.
Avoid spicy foods at bedtime to reduce heartburn.
Avoid going to bed hungry or too full.
Manage your blood sugar levels to avoid diabetes symptoms during sleep.
Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening.
Follow a soothing bedtime routine that helps you relax.
Limit water and other fluids before bedtime to prevent extra nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Take a non-narcotic pain reliever before bedtime to help ease pain.
Reduce breathing problems by using extra pillows to elevate your upper body during sleep.
Set aside a period of time each day to think about any concerns or worries.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: CONTENT DEVELOPED BY THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF SLEEP MEDICINE
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