Shift Work and Jet Lag: Work and travel can often push you “out-of-synch” with day-night rhythms. Planning, behavioral therapy and sometimes medication can help when your sleep schedule is irregular.

Medications: Side effects of many medications may cause sleep delay, disruption or even shortened sleep. Consider asking about similar drugs that will minimize the effect on your sleep.

Medical Conditions: Chronic illnesses including diabetes, acid reflux, pain, asthma, enlarged prostate or heart failure can interfere with sleep or cause fatigue. When conditions are under good control.

Psychiatric Disorders: Depression and anxiety can frequently cause fatigue and/or sleeplessness; both can be related to stress. Usually once the source of the stress is removed, depression and anxiety are eliminated, but other interventions such as medication or therapy may be necessary.

The third and final post of the series will address four other causes of sleep deprivation including hormonal factors, age, sleep apnea, and periodic limb movement disorder or restless leg. Did you miss the first article, read it here.

If you have concerns about your sleep, ask your provider about available treatments that will improve your sleep quality.