3 Reasons You’re Not Getting As Much Sleep As You Need

Not getting adequate sleep is a common problem for many people. While it may seem as if sleep deprivation merely leaves you feeling tired and unenergized, the effects of not enough rest can be detrimental. Not getting enough rest can put you at risk for diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more. Here are three reasons that you might not be getting adequate sleep at night.

Screens

In today’s increasingly wired world, according to children’s health experts, too much screen time is having a detrimental effect on the quality and how much sleep many people receive any given night. The blue light that is emitted from smartphones, laptops, tablets, and televisions interferes with the amount of melatonin that the body can produce. It is this hormone that controls your sleep patterns. To combat this issue, it is a good idea to give yourself a 30-minute buffer with no screens prior to going to sleep. Instead of reaching for your smartphone at night, reach for a book instead. Better yet, make your bedroom a space that is free of technology so that you are not inadvertently disturbed at night by the chime of a phone.

Sleep Disorders

There is a myriad of possible sleep disorders that could be potentially causing your sleep deprivation. Possible culprits include sleep apnea, narcolepsy, REM sleep disorders, and periodic limb movement disorder. Sleep apnea leads to insomnia, sleep apnea, drowsiness, fatigue, headaches, forgetfulness, and irritability. Only a doctor can diagnose sleep apnea through a series of tests. If you suspect that you might have a sleeping disorder, it is important to talk to your health professional.

Insufficient Exercise

A regular exercise routine is a powerful tool in the fight against insomnia. Taking the time to work up a sweat will help to improve the quality of your sleep, giving you an overall more restful night. Exercise can also reduce stress and anxiety, leading you to be able to sleep more peacefully without worry. In order to reap the benefits, it is a good idea to strive for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. While some people may find that evening exercise interferes with the ability to fall asleep, others find just the opposite is true. With a little experimentation, you can find the best exercise schedule to facilitate quality sleep.

You should never settle for a poor night of sleep. If you are having trouble sleeping, you should try to figure out the root causes as soon as you can so you can start getting the sleep you need. The compounding effects of sleep deprivation are exponential, making it important that you address the problem before it gets out of hand.