Insomnia Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Aug 31, 2022
  • Author: Jasvinder Chawla, MD, MBA; Chief Editor: Selim R Benbadis, MD  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Disorders to consider in the differential diagnosis of insomnia include the following:

  • Central sleep apnea (primary or due to drug or substance)

  • Cheyne-Stokes breathing pattern (associated with heart failure)

  • High-altitude periodic breathing

  • Jet-lag disorder

  • Medication-related insomnia

Medications associated with insomnia are as follows:

  • Central nervous system stimulants (dextroamphetamine, methylphenidate)

  • Antihypertensives (alpha blockers, beta blockers)

  • Respiratory medications (albuterol, theophylline)

  • Decongestants (phenylephrine, pseudoephedrine)

  • Hormones (corticosteroids, thyroid medications)

  • Antiepileptic drugs (lamotrigine)

  • Other noncontrolled substances (caffeine, alcohol, nicotine)

Differential Diagnoses