Differential Diagnosis for "Can't Sleep, Toss and Turn"

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Insomnia: This is the most common cause of difficulty sleeping and tossing and turning, often related to stress, lifestyle factors, or poor sleep habits.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Anxiety or Depression: These mental health conditions frequently disrupt sleep patterns, leading to insomnia and restlessness.
  • Sleep Disorders (e.g., Restless Leg Syndrome, Sleep Apnea): These conditions can cause discomfort or interruptions during sleep, making it hard to stay asleep.
  • Chronic Pain: Ongoing pain can make it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to tossing and turning.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Hyperthyroidism: An overactive thyroid gland can cause sleep disturbances, among other symptoms, and is crucial to diagnose due to its potential impact on overall health.
  • Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can interfere with sleep, and identifying the culprit is vital to manage the side effect.
  • Substance Withdrawal: Withdrawal from substances like alcohol or certain drugs can lead to severe insomnia and restlessness.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Neurodegenerative Diseases (e.g., Parkinson's Disease): Some neurodegenerative diseases can affect sleep patterns, though they are less common causes of insomnia.
  • Sleep Phase Syndrome: A disorder where the sleep-wake cycle is not in sync with the day-night cycle, which can be rare but significant if missed.
  • Parasomnias (e.g., Sleepwalking, Night Terrors): These are uncommon sleep disorders that can cause unusual behaviors during sleep, including tossing and turning.