Sleep disturbances affect nearly everyone at some point. They occur when you have trouble falling or staying asleep, which leads to daytime fatigue or sleepiness.
Some common sleep disturbances include:
- Insomnia - difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Sleep apnea - breathing interruptions during sleep
- Restless leg syndrome - unpleasant sensations and urge to move legs
- Narcolepsy - falling asleep unexpectedly during the day
What causes sleep disturbances?
There are many potential causes, such as:
- Stress or anxiety
- Underlying health conditions - thyroid, Parkinson's, cancer
- Medications
- Sleep environment - too noisy, light, hot/cold
- Poor sleep habits - inconsistent times, alcohol before bed
Managing sleep disturbances
Start with basic lifestyle changes:
- Stick to a regular sleep schedule
- Limit naps during the day
- Avoid caffeine, large meals, and alcohol before bedtime
- Make your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool
- Exercise regularly but not right before bed
If self-care strategies don't help within 2-4 weeks, see your doctor or sleep specialist. They can identify any underlying issues and provide personalized treatment options such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - changes thought patterns
- Sleep medication - short-term use of sleep aids
- Positive airway pressure - for sleep apnea
If you're struggling with disrupted sleep, the compassionate providers at
Vitality Hormone Clinic can help identify potential hormonal imbalances that may be contributing.
Ask about our sleep health panels and customized treatment plans to help you finally get the restful sleep your body needs. Our holistic plans go beyond medication to address diet, exercise, stress reduction and more.
- Sleep issues are very common
- Look at lifestyle factors first
- See a doctor if problems persist
- Hormonal imbalances may play a role for some people
Let me know if you have any other questions! Getting quality sleep is so vital for health and wellbeing.