These Are the Most Common Causes of Sleep Problems
Are you tired of feeling tired? Here are some causes of poor sleep.
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential to good health. If tossing and turning happens every night, then it’s time to consider the causes that can intervene with your shut-eye: over-the-counter medications, medical conditions, sleep disorders, stress, evening habits and schedule changes.
Common Causes of Poor Sleep
“Sleep deprivation should not be a regular event. Long-term sleep deprivation or chronic insomnia can negatively affect your health by causing the onset of illnesses including high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, obesity and depression,” explains PIH Health Physician Isaiah Ho MD. If you’re counting sheep every night, it’s important to find the source of the issue.
Here are some of the most common causes of sleep problems:
- Medications – Certain over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs may make it difficult to fall asleep. If you’ve recently started a new medication and notice that you’re having sleep difficulties, ask your doctor if the medication is to blame. Insomnia and sleep deprivation may be a side effect of blood pressure medications, antidepressants, over-the-counter stimulants or caffeine-containing drugs.
- Medical conditions – Certain chronic health disorders, such as heart disease, GERD, asthma, cancer, arthritis, Parkinson's disease, and others, might disrupt your sleep. Talk with your doctor about an option for your treatment plan.
- Sleep disorders – Sleep-specific health conditions, such as sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome, can affect sleep quality. Since sleep apnea causes you to periodically stop breathing through the night, it is especially important to treat sleep apnea if you have it because it can contribute to other serious health issues.
- Stress – Stress is one of the leading causes of sleep issues. It keeps your mind active at night, and left unchecked, can lead to temporary or chronic insomnia. Participate in stress management techniques like yoga or breathing exercises during the day for a night of better sleep.
- Evening habits – The activities you engage in before bed can have a significant impact on how well you sleep. Avoid eating too much late at night or exercising too soon before bedtime to avoid staying up all night. Create a comfortable environment that encourages tranquil sleep (not too hot or chilly, quiet, etc.) as well as a relaxing pre-bedtime routine that eliminates screen time.
- Schedule changes – Your body receives instructions from your circadian rhythm, which functions as a kind of internal clock, informing your body when to sleep and when to wake up. Insomnia and sleep deprivation can result from changes caused by travel, work shifts, staying up late or sleeping in on the weekends.
If you’re ready for a better night’s sleep, consult your primary care physician today. Visit PIHHealth.org/Find-a-Doctor if you don't already have a PCP.
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