Sleep disturbances affect nearly everyone at some point. Getting quality sleep is crucial for both physical and mental health. When your sleep is disrupted regularly, it can lead to issues like daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating, mood changes, and more.
There are various types of sleep disorders. Some common ones include:
- Insomnia - Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Sleep apnea - Breathing interruptions during sleep
- Restless leg syndrome - Uncomfortable leg sensations leading to restless sleep
- Narcolepsy - Falling asleep unexpectedly during the day
What causes sleep disturbances? There are often multiple factors at play:
- Stress
- Underlying health conditions
- Medications
- Sleep environment issues like noise, light, or uncomfortable mattress
- Disruption of natural sleep wake cycle
If you regularly struggle with sleep, it's important to identify the potential causes. Keeping a
sleep diary for 1-2 weeks can uncover lifestyle habits or daily events that impact your ability to sleep well.
Some tips to improve sleep quality include:
- Follow a regular sleep-wake schedule
- Limit blue light exposure at night
- Avoid large meals, alcohol, and caffeine before bed
- Do relaxing activities before bedtime
- Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet
For persistent sleep problems, see your doctor or a
sleep specialist. They can help diagnose any underlying issues and recommend tailored treatment options like
cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or prescription sleep aids if needed.