Insomnia in Illness: Which Diseases Cause It

Not sleeping because of an illness is common. At night, pain, fever, or anxiety get in the way, and in the morning you feel drained. Below is information on which diseases are more often associated with insomnia and why this happens.

Why illnesses disrupt sleep

Insomnia means difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings at night, early rising, and a feeling that sleep has not restored your energy. Short-term insomnia lasts less than three months, long-term — three months or more. Chronic insomnia is more often secondary: it can be a symptom or side effect of another condition — an illness, medications, or another sleep disorder.

• endocrine disorders, including thyroid dysfunction;
• respiratory diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive diseases;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• neurological diseases — parkinsonism, dementia, strokes, traumatic brain injuries;
• infections with fever and night sweats, pain syndromes, skin diseases with itching.

There is also a general guideline: insomnia is mentioned when sleep complaints recur at least three times a week for a month and interfere with daytime functioning.

Insomnia in thyroid diseases

Overactive thyroid, or thyrotoxicosis, and hypothyroidism are named among the causes of insomnia. Thyroid medications are on the list of drugs that can cause insomnia. That is why a doctor looks at the whole picture, not just the sleepless nights.

Insomnia in cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are among the causes of insomnia; a doctor determines which specific condition affects sleep. Some medications, including beta-blockers, can also affect sleep; the treatment regimen is discussed with a doctor.

Insomnia with colds, flu, and acute respiratory viral infections

With infections, sleep can be disrupted by fever and night sweats — this is named among the causes of insomnia.

Insomnia after illness, stroke, anesthesia, and chemotherapy

In neurological diseases, including stroke and traumatic brain injuries, insomnia is mentioned as one of the possible disorders. Among the causes of insomnia are severe pain syndrome, some medications, stress, and anxiety. After anesthesia and chemotherapy, a doctor determines the cause of sleep disturbances. A conversation with a doctor helps you understand what is preventing you specifically from sleeping.

When insomnia requires seeing a doctor

You should see a doctor if sleep has not improved after changing habits, if the problems have lasted for months, and if lack of sleep makes it difficult to cope with everyday tasks. During the appointment, the doctor asks about sleep and past illnesses and performs an examination; the doctor may ask you to keep a sleep diary. Laboratory tests and polysomnography are prescribed as indicated: it shows how a person sleeps and how the body responds to sleep disturbances. The doctor may offer cognitive behavioral therapy and a referral to a sleep center if another disorder, such as apnea, is suspected.

Insomnia by itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. 103 or 112 — if, against the background of an illness, signs of a life-threatening condition appear, such as a stroke or heart attack.

If you recognize yourself — this is not a reason to diagnose yourself based on forums. This material is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer