Most people have difficulties sleeping occasionally, but it is not usually a cause for concern. But if it is a frequent issue, it can be a severe problem. It can be due to different factors if you struggle to fall asleep or stay asleep.

Lack of sleep can lead to:

• Anxiety.
• Irritation.
• Increased risk of diabetes.
• Heart disease.
• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• Here are the three main reasons you aren't sleeping well.

It Could Be Age-related

Sleep disorders are more prevalent among older individuals. The sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm) tends to shift as people get older, causing them to feel sleepy earlier. It means the individual is more likely to wake up earlier than usual.

However, age is not always to blame for frequent waking. Consider your sleeping schedule and what you do before you sleep. Lack of sleep can also be due to factors ranging from sleeping habits to medical conditions.

Your Lifestyle or Habits

Lifestyle habits are a significant cause of disrupted sleep. Some of the habits include eating within hours before bedtime and consumption of alcohol in the evening. Sleeping on a full stomach can cause heartburn and discomfort, making it hard to fall asleep.

Too much consumption of tea, coffee, and other caffeine beverages before sleep affects sleep. A poor sleeping environment and long naps during the day can also make it hard to sleep at night.

Medication You Are Taking

Some medications lead to disrupted sleep or nighttime waking. Medicines that cause sleeplessness include antidepressants, cold medications that contain alcohol, and beta blockers that treat high blood pressure.

Corticosteroids that treat asthma or inflammation can cause sleep difficulties. If you are taking any medications, talk to your doctor and find out if they are causing your lack of sleep. The doctor may recommend alternative medications.

Dealing With Disrupted Sleep

You can get help dealing with disrupted sleep regardless of your age. Changing your lifestyle can help improve your sleep patterns. If you drink alcohol or other beverages before bed, you are more likely to get up to use the bathroom.

A doctor can help treat medical conditions that cause sleeplessness. Sleep and anxiety have a link since if you find it hard to sleep, it can increase your anxiety. Increased anxiety causes difficulty sleeping.

Sleep and Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones help with proper body function. Hormones decrease with age, and they fail to perform as required. It can lead to changes in normal functions, including sleep patterns. Hormone replacement can help reverse problems caused by reduced hormones.

Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is an effective treatment that can be customized to suit each patient. It is ideal for both men and women with a hormone imbalance.
 

Many underlying health conditions can affect the quality and quantity of sleep as people age. They include depression or anxiety, chronic pain, enlarged prostate gland, neuropathy, and sleep apnea. It is necessary to get treatment for health issues. Treating the underlying health conditions can help improve sleep.

For more reasons you are not sleeping well, visit Full Life at our Nashville, Tennessee office. Call (615) 805-5600 to schedule an appointment today.