We all know that sleeping is beneficial; every adult should get an average of seven hours of sleep. However, a lot of people suffer from sleep deprivation that makes them unable to sleep for long hours. Although you may not know the exact scientific benefits of sleep, it is clear that when you don’t sleep well, you become groggy, moody, and irritated. There are lots of reasons that can lead to sleep problems; there can be medical reasons or bad habits. If you suffer from lack of sleep at night, make sure you read on to discover six important reasons for sleep problems and how to fix them.
1. Being Anxious
If you have a problem at work, a disturbing personal issue, or a conversation you had the other day that you cannot stop thinking about, you will not be able to sleep. Your mind becomes occupied with whatever you are thinking about and you might not be able to escape it no matter how hard you try to. The best thing to do at this point is to go to another calming room, stay there for a minute, and then get back to bed. When you do this, you will have an easier time removing the disturbing thoughts from your mind and will fall asleep easier. You can also try to read a book until your worries leave your mind; keep reading until you feel super drowsy. If there are a pen and paper next to you, try to write a to-do list for tomorrow; being organized will facilitate a few z’s.
2. Having Back Pain
It is impossible to have an enjoyable bedtime while suffering from back pain. You will find yourself tossing and turning because you cannot find comfort. The first thing you should do is to visit your doctor and take a prescribed medicine that will help you find relief. Sometimes, though, back pain problems aren’t medical; they can be caused by uncomfortable bedding. A mattress that is designed specifically to relieve back pain problems is the consumer reports best mattress for back pain. You should not lie on a mattress that causes you pain and makes you uncomfortable. Your bed is where you rest and relax, so you should ensure the comfort of your bedding.
3. Suffering From Sleep Apnea
Some people feel like they are choking while asleep and unable to breathe, so they wake up continuously and never enjoy a relaxing snooze. This case is referred to as sleep apnea and is caused by a narrow throat that makes it hard for a person to breathe easily. Snoring is associated with sleep apnea; if you suffer from this condition, you probably snore loudly, which can contribute to lack of sleep. Medical treatment can solve this problem; some doctors advise their patients to wear CPAP masks to help them bed down better.
4. Hot or Cold Weather
According to which season it is, you should set your room to your desired temperature before you go to bed. On a cold winter night, you want to be warm and cozy, so you should make sure that all the windows are sealed properly and that you have a snuggly blanket that will keep the cold away. In the summertime, you should turn on your air conditioner or fan and sleep in light cotton pajamas.
5. Screen Time
Social media creates a mobile device addiction. People are constantly checking notifications, likes, and comments all the time. At work, you might find yourself looking at the computer screen for approximately eight hours and not noticing how tired that can make you. Being exposed to screens all the time will affect your sleep and will make you restless. The best thing to do is to avoid looking at any screen, be it mobile, laptop, or TV one hour before bedtime. Try to dim the lights as well or keep them off to relax your eyes and prepare them for a relaxing bedtime.
6. Drinking Alcohol or Caffeine
Tea, coffee, and alcohol are drinks you should avoid having four to six hours before bedtime. The effect of these drinks can cause sleep problems, especially if you’re a heavy drinker. Make sure you take your preferred dose of caffeine in the morning so that you can sleep easily at night.
Years of research and study show the importance of sleep. You are more lively and active when you sleep well at night. Some people have problems doing so; they get easily disturbed in their sleep and become irritated and moody all day. The reasons for not sleeping well are various. Six of them are listed above, so make sure you check them along with their solutions to kiss insomnia goodbye.