When you wake up in the morning, do you feel more exhausted than you did before you went to bed? If the answer is yes, then there is something disturbing your sleep. But do you know what’s disturbing your sleep? Sometimes the reasons are obvious – crying babies, persistent noise from neighbors etc. However, not every time can you determine the cause of sleep loss.
Most of the time people presume some reason for their sleep loss which might not turn out to be the actual reason. And at other times, people fail to ascertain the reasons for their sleep loss. Sometimes, it so happens that you wake up for just a few minutes in the night but the next day you do not have any memory of that. While few unremembered cases are common, yet some of them will sap you of your energy. Here are the six sleep disturbers that you might not have been aware of.
1. Pets in Bed
Most of the pet lovers permit their pets to snuggle close to them while sleeping, little realizing that their presence can make it harder for them to sleep. A survey conducted by Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, revealed that 53 percent of the people who sleep with pets have found it a disturbing factor. This is because animals have different body clock that don’t coincide with human sleep patterns. Hence, if 3 am is wake up time for your pet, it will end up pouncing on your feet, disturbing your sleep. If you are so attached to your pet, just give it a cozy sleeping corner on the floor to sleep thus preventing your sleep from getting disturbed.
2. Alcohol & Nightcaps
You might be surprised to hear that drinking causes sleep loss. This is because most of the times drinking cause drowsiness and you pass out. However, though you feel sleepy after the first few pegs, yet the body does not construe alcohol consumption in the same way. Alcohol disturbs the rhythm of sleep and tends to wake you after the effect of alcohol in your blood drops. Hence, it is advisable to stop taking liquor at least 2-3 hours before sleep.
3. Undiagnosed GERD
People who suffer from GERD (Gastro esophageal Reflux Disorder) find it difficult to sleep at night. When they’re lying down for sleep, the acids seep back into their esophagus causing them heartburn and pain. Sometimes GERD is not so serious and does not cause pain. But the flow of acids will end up waking you up in the middle of the night. The solution to this problem is to find appropriate cure for your problem and consult a doctor immediately. Finding the right treatment is important because it will eliminate the risk of serious problems later.
4. Using Medicines, vitamins and supplements
Mostly sleep disturbance is caused by the many drugs in your medicine cabinet and you may not be even aware of it. Common medicines like steroids for asthma and beta-blockers for high blood pressure, can be the reason for being awake at night. Though these drugs are termed as narcotics and tend to cause drowsiness, yet they can lead to something called as sleep apnea. Not only prescription drugs, but botanical supplements and vitamins aren’t risk free either. Some of them can cause sleep loss. Thus, it is advisable – you go to the doctor with the list of all medicines, vitamins and botanical supplements you use and find out if they cause sleep problems.
5. Mild pain
Pain is perhaps the most common reason for sleep disruptions. Even the mildest and commonest of pains like headaches, stomach pain can prevent you from falling asleep. Pain signals can disturb your sleep pattern and decrease the amount of time you indulge in a peaceful sleep. If you have persistent pain, even a mild one, then it’s better to consult a doctor and find a cure for your pain.
6. Exhaustiveness
It’s a general presumption that after an exhaustive day, sleep would come automatically. However it’s just a myth and does not usually happen. Often when you have had a really tiring day, when you lie down to sleep, it does not happen. What happens is tossing and turning in your bed for several minutes. This is because the body is too revved up to fall into sleep. Compose yourself for a while; rewind, relax and then hit the sack.
