Over the age of 50 years, the likelihood of a sleep problem increases as a result of a number of factors. Changes to the circadian rhythm can lead to falling asleep and waking earlier than desired. Deep sleep decreases with age, as a result nightly awakenings become more common. Co-morbidities causing nocturnal urination and joint pain can also affect sleep in older adults. These common sleep changes, along with environmental and psychological factors, can precipitate insomnia. Once disturbed sleep occurs, cognitive and behavioral factors such as dysfunctional beliefs about sleep or maladaptive sleep habits can perpetuate insomnia.