Each sleep disorder has various causes. The most common causes of sleep disorder are chronic fatigue syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder, menopause, stress, anxiety, postpartum depression, and congestive heart failure.

Chronic fatigue syndrome is characterized by a sense of fatigue that comes suddenly but never stops. Doing normal activities becomes very difficult. CFS does not occur due to excessive activity or for any other obvious reason. Episodes of depression also accompany this syndrome, which causes sleeplessness.

Post-traumatic stress disorder follows a tragedy or any horrifying event. When persons witness murders or huge accidents, they have recurring images of the scene running in their minds. They feel traumatized even if they were not part of the event. This leads to mental tension, hysteria, and lack of sound sleep due to possible nightmares. Meditation and short-term sleep medication are possible relievers.

Women nearing or having reached menopause are anxious of their possible risk factors of cancer and other ailments. Some women suffer from complications that hinder their ability to sleep peacefully. Excessive bleeding and pelvic pain are causes of sleep disorders.

Stress and anxiety are known causes of sleep disorders. Deadlines, impending work pressure, marital discord, separation, and death are factors that lead to stress and anxiety. Worrying about issues at night leads to drowsiness and lack of concentration.

Postpartum depression involves a range of emotional feelings that new mothers experience following delivery. Bouts of depression and postpartum psychosis are sometimes witnessed in new mothers. They lack sleep due to the fatigue, pain, and joy experienced after giving birth. The mixed feelings tend to create a depressive mood.

Congestive heart failure is a disease where the heart function declines due to the improper pumping of blood. This leads to pain and discomfort in the chest area, making the person remain awake at night.

In children, sleep disorders occur due to nightmares, pain, constipation, anxiety and stress.

Whatever the causes, a soothing touch and proper medication would help the patients enjoy a good night's sleep.