What could be the reasons why I can't sleep and how can I address them?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Trouble sleeping, also known as insomnia, is often caused by sleep-wake rhythm disorders, anxiety, stress, or underlying medical conditions. Common symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, waking frequently during the night, or feeling unrested in the morning.

Because sleep issues can stem from many different causes—ranging from lifestyle habits to treatable health conditions—identifying the root cause is the most important step toward relief. Taking a free, instant, online symptom check can help you better understand what may be behind your sleep troubles and guide you toward the right next steps, whether that's self-care adjustments or speaking with a doctor.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover why you can't sleep See if insomnia needs care today Find likely causes of poor sleep Compare OTC sleep aid options Find a sleep doctor nearby Learn medically valid insomnia remedies Understand if your sleep needs treatment

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Explanation

Having trouble sleeping can be frustrating and might be due to different reasons. Some people have sleep-wake rhythm disorders, which means their body clock is not in sync with the typical day-night cycle. According to research, vitamin B12 might help adjust these rhythms to improve sleep.

Another common cause of sleep problems is anxiety. Anxiety can make it hard to relax and fall asleep. Studies show that insomnia can increase anxiety and even lead to depression. To manage these issues, it's important to find ways to reduce anxiety, such as relaxation techniques or talking to a professional.

If you're struggling to identify what's affecting your sleep, try Ubie's free AI symptom checker to get personalized insights about your symptoms in just a few minutes. Remember, it's always a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider for personalized advice.

(References)

Okawa M, Mishima K, Nanami T, Shimizu T, Iijima S, Hishikawa Y, & Takahashi K. (1990). Vitamin B12 treatment for sleep-wake rhythm disorders. Sleep, 2305167.
Mao X, Zhang F, Wei C, Li Z, Huang C, Sun Z, et al. (2023). The impact of insomnia on anxiety and depression. BMC psychiatry, 37226120.
Chellappa SL, & Aeschbach D. (2022). Sleep and anxiety: From mechanisms to interventions. Sleep medicine reviews, 34979437.

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