Learn English – What do you call something that doesn’t let you sleep

expressionsphrase-requestssingle-word-requests

Especially a thought.

Example:

Like last night, I couldn't sleep. This time, however,
[…] wasn't my upcoming wedding, but the fact that I was going to get fired
tomorrow.

So like a disturbance, but one that deprives you from sleep.

Best Answer

Scientific answer: stressor.

Colloquial answer: bugaboo.

(Either of these will fit in your sentence example. Use with "the".)