Why You May Not Be Getting The Sleep You Need

Everyone feels better after a good night’s sleep, but you may not know how to achieve this. Adequate sleep is pivotal for mental health, physical vitality, and overall quality of life. However, there are nights when we toss and turn in bed, failing to drift off.

You need about eight hours of sleep every night to function properly. While you may think that you are filling this time adequately, you may not get the quality of rest your body requires to recharge. Here are a few reasons why.

Health Conditions

The human body may need sleep, but that doesn’t mean it is always in the right shape to give it to you. For example, a condition like sleep apnoea is a disorder where an individual’s breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can result in poor quality rest and excessive daytime sleepiness. If you snore loudly or feel tired despite having a full night’s rest, it’s wise to consult a doctor. Of course, some of these health conditions are genetic.

That is why you may want to visit the AlphaBiolabs Ireland laboratory to help discover any potential lineages that may be responsible for this genetic health condition. Insomnia, another common sleep disorder, is characterised by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early. This can result from stress, anxiety, depression, or prescription medication. Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia has proven to be an effective treatment for many.

Stress

Stress and anxiety are major sleep robbers. Worrying about work, relationships, or other aspects of life can keep your mind active, making it difficult to wind down. Practising relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or having a warm bath before bed can help alleviate this.

You may also be a victim of overthinking. Ironically, worrying about not getting enough shut eye can itself prevent getting a good night’s rest. This creates a vicious cycle. If you check the clock and calculate how much sleep you’ll get if you fall asleep ‘right now’, it’s best to take the pressure off. Focus on relaxing rather than sleeping.

Lifestyle

While you may be subject to stress or a health condition, it is possible that your lifestyle choices are responsible for your lack of sleep. One of the key reasons for the deprivation is poor sleep hygiene. To combat this, it is crucial to establish a regular schedule, even on weekends, and to create a tranquil bedroom environment conducive to sleep.

Another detrimental habit that can impair our sleeping schedule is the excessive use of electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops. The blue light emitted from screens can hinder the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Limiting screen time before bed and utilising blue light filters can be beneficial.

Summary

Sleep is a necessity for maintaining your overall health and well-being. By understanding the various factors contributing to deprivation, you can create a more conducive environment and lifestyle for getting a good night’s rest.