People with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, hyperthyroidism, kidney disease and even reflux disease may be at increased risk of developing insomnia. There is also a link between insomnia and certain other chronic conditions, including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, anxiety and depression. In fact, about 50% of patients with diabetes also report suffering from insomnia; one contributing factor may be related to pain from neuropathy. People with cancer may also be at risk for insomnia caused by pain and other physical symptoms of the disease, side effects of treatment, emotional distress, and the effects of long hospital stays. It’s worth noting that people with insomnia are at increased risk for development of dementia.