Risk Factors for Developing a Sleep Disorder

Sleep is a complex function of our bodies. When a person has trouble getting a good night’s sleep, the reasons can be equally complex. There are many factors that contribute to sleep disorders such as insomnia, narcolepsy, sleep apnea, and restless legs syndrome. Plus, poor sleep habits may make any sleep disorder worse.

Age and sleep disorders

Getting older is one of the main risks for developing a sleep disorder including insomnia, restless legs syndrome, and sleep apnea. In fact, up to 2 out of 3 people age 65 and older report sleep problems. Sometimes sleep issues are caused by weight gain or illnesses that cause pain, muscle spasms, or breathing problems. In other cases, changes in the aging brain, hormone changes, and mental health play a role in sleep disorders among older people.^1-5

Mental health and sleep disorders

Mental health issues play a large role in someone’s risk for developing a sleep disorder, especially insomnia. Lack of sleep and poor sleep are known to cause a host of mental health issues. These include depression, anxiety, mood changes, irritability, and impulse control issues. The stigma associated with sleep disorders like narcolepsy also can lead to depression.

However, some people develop insomnia a few days or weeks before the onset of a bout of major depression, suggesting a link between the two conditions. People with narcolepsy are more likely to develop depression than the general population.^2-4

Risk factors for developing insomnia

Insomnia is defined as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. It is the most common sleep disorder in the U.S. Worry, stress, and jet lag may cause short-term insomnia. Chronic, or long-term insomnia, may be caused by a range of conditions, including:^2,3

• Shift work
• Frequent changes to routine and time zones
• Eating large meals or drinking caffeine close to bedtime
• Mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Brain injury
• Brain disorders such as stroke, Alzheimer’s, or Parkinson’s disease
• Asthma
• Pregnancy
• Menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes
• Cancer
• Side effects of drugs
• Thyroid problems
• Chronic pain

Other risk factors for developing insomnia include being female, older, or having other sleep disorders.^2,3

Risk factors for developing narcolepsy

With narcolepsy, a person falls asleep unwillingly, often several times a day, and may go limp. This can occur in the middle of an activity, such as driving, eating, working, or talking. There is a low level of a brain chemical called hypocretin in the spinal fluid of some people with narcolepsy.

Doctors believe narcolepsy is caused by a combination of genetics and the environment. In a few cases, narcolepsy runs in families. However, someone with narcolepsy has a low chance of passing it to their children (1 in 100 chances). Narcolepsy may also be caused by:⁴

• Brain injury
• Autoimmune disorders
• Neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease

Risk factors for developing restless legs syndrome

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a sleep disorder in which the legs and sometimes arms feel twitchy, itchy, or crawly. These sensations can be uncomfortable. They often occur in the evening or night. RLS can make it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep.⁶

At least 4 in 10 people with RLS say they have a close family member with the disorder. People with low iron levels, especially in the brain, are more likely to have RLS. Other risk factors for RLS include:⁷

• Anemia
• End-stage kidney disease
• Pregnancy
• Smoking

Risk factors for developing sleep apnea

People with sleep apnea stop breathing or have shallow breathing during sleep. This is caused when something blocks the airways, such as the tongue or tonsils, or when the airway collapses. People with sleep apnea snore loudly, gasp, or choke during sleep.⁵

Males are 2 to 3 more likely to develop sleep apnea than females. However, menopause increases a woman’s chances of developing sleep apnea. Other risk factors that may make someone more likely to develop this sleep disorder include:⁵

• Being over 40
• Obesity
• Having a narrow airway
• A thick neck (over 17 inches in men and 16 inches in women)
• Having a large tongue, tonsils, recessed chin, or small jaw
• Being older
• Smoking
• Sinus congestion
• Using alcohol, sedatives, or opioids

One study reported that people in the following groups are more likely to experience obstructive sleep apnea: Asians, African Americans, Native Americans, and Hispanics. Sleep apnea also runs in families, which means there may be genetic risk factors.⁸

Heart disease and stroke may increase the risk of developing sleep apnea. In turn, sleep apnea may increase the risk of developing heart disease and stroke.⁵