Do you have trouble falling asleep? Most people need an average of 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to function at their best the next day. However, getting that kind of consecutive sleep each night can be difficult for some people.
At one time or another, everyone deals with sleep deprivation. Why are you tossing and turning all night? The reasons vary. Here’s a look at what could be keeping you awake at night:
1. Pain
Research suggests 69% of sleep-related issues are caused by pain. The pain might be temporary, like after a strenuous workout, or it might be chronic. Either way, pain can rob you of pressure sleep hours.
2. Technology
Watching TV or scrolling through Facebook on your phone won’t help you fall asleep. In fact, research suggests that technology before bed can keep you awake. The best advice is to turn off all screens one hour before going to bed. (Some experts suggest turning off screens two hours before bed).
3. Stress
Whether you’re stressed about finances or a family member’s health, stress makes it hard to fall asleep. When you’re in bed thinking about all the bad things that could happen, it’s not easy to turn your mind off and let it rest.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine keeps your body awake. It’s a stimulant, after all. It’s not surprising that such a substance interrupts sleep patterns. Experts suggest cutting off caffeine six hours before going to bed. (Yes, six hours before).
5. Exercise
If you exercise too close to your bedtime, it can be hard to bring your body to a resting point. Generally, exercise is great for your sleeping habits because it tires you out, just make sure you’re not going out for a run at 10pm and planning to go to sleep at 11pm.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, any one of these things could be the culprit.
