Sleep disorders may have a variety of causes. Many different factors may contribute to the cause of a sleep disorder. Common causes may include anxiety, back pain, chronic pain, sciatica, neck pain, environmental noise (noise pollution), incontinence, certain drugs, withdrawal, hormonal imbalances and certain problems with biological rhythms.

Poor sleep hygiene may also lead to sleep disorders. Sleep hygiene refers to many environmental factors and practices that may be under the control of the individual. Smoking, drinking alcohol or caffeine, exercising or eating a large meal before bed, jetlag and psychological stressors may be included in the list of factors that may influence sleep hygiene in many patients.

Periodic limb movement disorder may cause sudden, involuntary movements of the limbs during sleep. Certain medications may be used to treat the disorder. Sleep paralysis is a condition that may cause a temporary paralysis shortly before and after sleep. The condition may be harmless, but may be frightening for the patient, as they may not understand what is happening.

Bruxism may affect those who may grind their teeth or clench their jaw during sleep. The condition may be treated using mouth guards, splints or through a series of other treatments.

Sleep apnea may occur if the individual stops breathing for periods of about 10 seconds. The condition may be mild or severe depending on how many times the patient stops sleeping each hour. Sleep apnea may be treated by making lifestyle changes, undergoing surgery or through the use of a machine to aide in breathing during sleep.

Other common sleep disorders may include parasomnias, sleepwalking, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, night terrors and rapid eye movement behavior disorder. Other sleep disorders may exist as well. A health care professional may be helpful in discussing further symptoms, treatments and causes of sleep disorders.

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