Sleep disorders can occur in any individual. However, there are some factors which put you at increased risk of sleep disorders. Obesity is a major risk factor for sleep disorders.

People with excess weight may have fat despots around the airway which obstruct breathing and cause sleep apnea. Similarly people who have narrow airways also suffer from sleep apnea. This is a result of genetics and not much can be done about it.

Insomnia, sleep apnea and such problems are seen more frequently among older people. This may be due to reduced production of melatonin with age. This chemical mediator tells the body to sleep and helps you stay asleep. People who use too much alcohol or tobacco or those who have a family history of sleeping disorders are more prone to sleep problems.

Certain chronic illnesses like diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hypothyroidism etc can also cause sleep disturbances. These conditions cause discomforts which can ruin your nighttime sleep.  Stress, emotional disturbances and problems at work or within the family can result in insomnia and disturbed sleep. Shift workers and people who travel frequently across time zones also have trouble sleeping because their body’s circadian rhythm finds it hard to adjust to their erratic sleep wake cycle.