There may be
more than one thread.
A difficult period may start a sleep problem. Health, routines and the response to poor sleep can also influence what happens next.
Open a thread.
Stress, mood and worry
Life pressures, anxiety and low mood can affect sleep. Sleep difficulties can also affect mood; the relationship can work both ways.
Health and discomfort
Pain, illness, menopause and other conditions may disturb sleep. Other sleep disorders can coexist with difficulty sleeping.
Timing and substances
Shift work, changing schedules, caffeine, alcohol and nicotine can affect when or how well you sleep.
Medicines
Some medicines can disturb sleep or cause daytime drowsiness. Tell a clinician or pharmacist what you take, including non-prescription products. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment on your own.
A sleep problem began after a stressful event. Does that mean stress must be the only cause now?
Read the explanation
An initial trigger is useful information, but it is not the whole assessment. Current health, routine and other symptoms also matter.
Observation is useful.
Blame is not.
Try describing what changed and what you notice now. You do not have to identify a single cause before speaking to someone.