Why Am I Having Difficulty Sleeping at Night?
Sleep is essential for an individual’s physical health, mental health, and overall well being. It allows for muscle repair, tissue growth, energy restoration, memory function, the regulation of emotion, and more. When deprived of sleep, a person can suffer serious consequences. There are many reasons why someone may have trouble sleeping at night. In this blog, we will discuss some of those reasons, which include engaging in poor habits, also known as poor sleep hygiene, insomnia, pain, and sleep apnea.
Poor Habits
The choices we make can influence our sleeping patterns. Consuming alcohol before bed can reduce one’s REM sleep, which is an important stage of sleep. Drinking caffeinated beverages can make it difficult to fall asleep as caffeine is a stimulant. Other habits that can affect sleep include eating too close to bedtime, too much screen time, taking naps during the day, working out late at night, and going to sleep at different times every night. In addition, activities in bed should be limited to sleeping and sex. Reading and watching tv in bed can hinder our ability to maintain good sleep hygiene.
Insomnia
One of the most common sleep disorders, insomnia is characterized by difficulties in falling and or staying asleep. Causes of insomnia include stress, an irregular sleep schedule, mental health disorders, engaging in poor habits, as mentioned above, certain medications, and more. Individuals can experience various consequences as a result of insomnia, some of which are fatigue, daytime sleepiness, change in mood, and trouble focusing.
Pain
Another reason one may struggle to sleep at night is because of pain. Pain can result in difficulty falling asleep or disrupted sleep throughout the night. The National Sleep Foundation has reported that two out of three people with chronic pain experience trouble with sleeping. Intense flare-ups may occur, causing major discomfort as well as sleep deprivation. Managing pain is critical as sleep loss can lead to further health issues.
Sleep Apnea
Lastly, sleep apnea may be the culprit of insufficient sleep. Sleep apnea is a type of sleep disorder that is characterized by interrupted breathing while a person is sleeping. The two main types of sleep apnea are obstructive sleep apnea and central sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when the airway becomes blocked due to the relaxation of muscles in the throat. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain fails to signal the muscles that drive breathing. Symptoms of sleep apnea include snoring, dry mouth, a choking or gasping sensation, change in mood, and fatigue due to disrupted sleep. Often a person who suffers from sleep apnea is not aware they have a problem and it is the bed partner who becomes alarmed and encourages a visit to the doctor.
For Difficulty Sleeping at Night, Contact Breathe Clear
If you or a loved one is being deprived of a good night’s sleep it is important to identify the root of the issue, which often involves contacting a healthcare professional. At Breathe Clear Institute, we know how crucial sleep is for your health and commonly accepted issues like snoring or waking up feeling unrested should not be overlooked. Our team is committed to helping diagnose and treat patients with sleep disorders, so that they may get the rest they deserve and lead healthy lives. If you’re ready to experience relief, we are here to help. Get your medical needs met today by scheduling an appointment.