If you struggle with Insomnia, you know how frustrating it is to find yourself up in the middle of the night consistently.
Waking up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom is standard; a study by Sleep Medicine found that about 1/3 of people surveyed wake up at least three times a week, and over 40% experience trouble sleeping again.
Signs and Symptoms of a Sleep Disorder
If you sometimes have difficulty sleeping, how can you know if it is just a transient annoyance or if it means that there is an underlying medical condition?
Start by examining your symptoms. Look for any signs of sleep deprivation, such as specific daytime cues.
Ask yourself the following:
- Do you feel irritated or sleepy all day?
- Do you struggle to stay awake while sitting still, watching TV, or reading?
- Do you ever feel exhausted or fall asleep while driving?
- Do you have difficulty concentrating?
- Are you tired all the time?
- Are you struggling to control your emotions?
- Do you often experience intense sensations of sleepiness?
If you frequently experience the above symptoms, there is a good chance that you have a sleep disorder. Not to worry, though, because we’re about to help!
Your Room Is Too Cold, Hot, Bright, Or Noisy
Doctors say that your arousal threshold varies depending on your sleep stage. It is easier to be woken up when sleeping than during deeper stages of slumber. When you sleep, your body cycles through five different stages of sleep, and your brain goes from light to deep sleep and finally into REM.
The best way to sleep comfortably in a new place is to make the room dark, calm, and quiet. Depending on where you are, this might be difficult but use earplugs or an eye mask if your room is loud or bright. Additionally, buy a fan if your space is hot.
You’re Experiencing Sleep Apnea
If you are constantly waking up in the middle of the night feeling like you need to catch your breath, it might be due to sleep apnea.
If you have sleep apnea, your muscles relax too much; this drops your oxygen levels and can be harmful. If you have central sleep apnea, your brain doesn’t send the right signals; this also causes a drop in oxygen. Complex sleep apnea is a mixture of both conditions.
Doctors may recommend an overnight sleep study called polysomnography that monitors your breathing to diagnose sleep apnea.
You Ate Too Close To Bedtime
Eating heavy meals incredibly late at night can cause you to experience heartburn or interfere with your sleep. Food that causes gas could also be responsible for abdominal pain later in the day.
Going too long without eating before bed can also cause insomnia. Besides simply hearing your stomach growling, it might cramp and wake you up. When you do not eat, your blood sugar can drop to a dangerous level which may cause problems for people with diabetes.
Your Bed Is Not Comfortable
If you have a bed that is too firm or too soft, it can interfere with your sleep. If your mattress is not comfortable enough, it might cause pain and muscle stiffness in the morning.
The best way to determine if you need a new mattress is to figure out how old yours is. Most mattresses last about 10 years, but if you’ve had yours for longer, it might be time to get a new one. Invest in a Vispring single mattress for superior comfort and support.
Even if you buy a new mattress, it might not help if your sleep issue is caused by something else. Be sure to consider all of the possibilities before dedicating yourself to buying a new bed.
To sum up, there are several reasons you might be waking up at night, some of which are easy to change. Others may require professional help, but it is well worth the time and effort.
