2)     Anxiety -- A close cousin of stress that can also include post-traumatic stress disorders, anxiety affects most people at one time or another. Or it can be a pervasive problem.

3)     Depression – While some suffering from this mental affliction sleep a lot, others may find getting to sleep difficult. Mental health is crucial to the ability to fall asleep, and many mental disorders include sleep difficulties.

4)     Underlying medical conditions – Such symptoms as chronic pain, frequent urination, breathing difficulties and other issues may lead to insomnia. Diseases of the heart, lungs, thyroid and intestinal system have been linked to insomnia, as well as issues with cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease.

5)     Environmental changes – Frequent travel can have a disorienting effect, particularly when crossing time zones, throwing off the inner body clock, or circadian rhythms. Shift workers also report sleep issues.

6)     Poor sleep conditions – Is your room too hot or too cold? Is it dark enough? Do you drink coffee or other stimulants late in the day? How about watching too much television or using the computer before bed? All can make falling asleep difficult.

7)     Medications – Many drugs speed up the metabolism and contain caffeine and other stimulants. If you are on antidepressants, blood pressure pills, heart pills, allergy medications or corticosteroids, speak to a doctor about how it might affect sleep.