5 Symptoms That Can Deprive You of Sleep and How to Cope

Getting enough deep sleep is essential for good health. While you’re sleeping, your mind is re-energizing, and your body is fighting infection and damage. If you’re not getting sufficient sleep, it may be necessary to consider underlying health issues that could be interfering with your ability to properly rest.
You’re Overly Stressed
While there are many causes of sleep deprivation, stress is the most common reason. If your brain is producing a constant flow of stress hormones, you won’t be able to relax. Even after you do fall asleep, you might sleep too lightly or awaken several times throughout the night. You can combat this situation by taking steps to reduce your stress levels.
Engage in physical activity earlier in the evening to release energy and improve your physical health. You can also meditate or practice yoga. As your bedtime draws closer, look for ways to relax. Take a bath, read a good book, or listen to soothing music. You can also take up a hobby that you find comforting or enjoyable.
Avoid playing games or getting on social media sites late in the evening since these activities can be frustrating or aggravating. Instead, work on puzzles, take up knitting, or build plastic models. Look for hobbies that allow your mind to wander and take your thoughts off your problems.
Your Circadian Rhythm is Misaligned
Your ability to sleep relies heavily on your mind’s internal clock, which is also called the circadian rhythm. This process regulates your waking and sleeping hours, and it’s managed by the changing of day into night.
If you don’t spend much time outdoors or you spend a great deal of time in front of a computer or phone, your circadian rhythm will be thrown off. Fortunately, it’s easy to reset it. Go for a walk early in the morning.
Try adding a second walk to your routine around dusk. Be sure to turn off electronic devices at least one hour before you go to bed. This will give your internal clock time to adjust.
You Have Oral Pain
There are several reasons you should have gum disease, tooth decay, and jaw aches treated by a professional. These conditions can worsen over time or spread to other areas in your mouth. Additionally, any type of oral pain can keep you from falling asleep. if you do fall asleep, you might not be sleeping deeply. You could be grinding your teeth out of habit or because you’re subconsciously trying to stop the pain.
If your teeth hurt or your jaw aches in the mornings, consult a TMJ specialist in Raleigh NC, or wherever your local city resides. A specialist can treat the pain and help you address the underlying causes of this condition.
You Suffer From Restless Leg Syndrome
Someone who experiences restless leg syndrome or RLS will have trouble falling asleep due to a persistent urge to move or shake their legs. The condition can get worse as the individual gets older. If you’re affected by this condition, it may take you hours to fall asleep.
Often, getting out of bed and walking around will help alleviate the condition. A good way to prevent RLS-related insomnia is to exercise for an hour each day. For more severe conditions, you may need a prescription medication to help you control the urge to shake your legs at night.
You’re Experiencing Narcolepsy
If you find yourself falling asleep throughout the day, this may be more than mere fatigue. One of the symptoms of narcolepsy is an inability to stay awake during the day. Since you’ll fall asleep during your waking hours, you may also find it difficult to fall asleep at night.
The condition can also cause cataplexy or a loss of muscle tone. You may need medication, such as antidepressants or stimulants, to help you control this condition. Lifestyle changes, including reducing nicotine and alcohol consumption, can decrease the severity of this condition. Exercise is also important in treating narcolepsy.
Bottom Line
If you have made lifestyle changes and you still have trouble sleeping through the night, consult your doctor. There may be more serious health conditions affecting your sleep. Often, poor sleep is an early sign of an illness. When you identify poor sleep as a symptom, you can get treatment sooner and recover more fully.