Waking up in the middle of the night can be incredibly frustrating. If you are waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to fall back asleep, you’re not alone. A Sleep Medicine study found that about one-third of American adults experience this at least three times a week, with many suffering from “sleep maintenance insomnia.” Understanding the reasons for this disruption is the first step toward fixing it. Here are some common causes and actionable tips to ensure uninterrupted sleep.
1. Your Room is Too Hot, Cold, Noisy, or Bright
2. Anxiety is Keeping You Awake
3. Frequent Trips to the Bathroom
4. Alcohol Consumption Before Bedtime
5. Sleep Apnea Could Be the Culprit
6. Overactive Thyroid Gland
7. Eating Too Late or Skipping Meals
8. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)
RLS causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, leading to an uncontrollable urge to move them, especially at night. If RLS symptoms are waking you up, consult a doctor about potential treatments like iron supplements or medications that improve muscle function.