With deadlines approaching and stress levels peaking, it can be easy to feel robbed of a decent night’s sleep. But sometimes, it seems sleep just won’t come naturally – and you can’t figure out why.
Here are five reasons you can’t sleep, and what you can do about it.
You’re sleeping in too much
I know, I know – sleeping in is just too good. But a routine consisting of late nights and snoozing until lunch time will throw off your internal clock. We’re not supposed to be nocturnal, remember! By the time Sunday rolls around, you’ve essentially reprogrammed yourself to stay awake way past your bedtime, hence why you spend the majority of the night staring up at your ceiling.
How to fix it: It’s pretty simple, actually; regardless of how late you stayed up the previous night, try not to sleep in for more than an hour than usual. If you’re struggling to make it through the day, take a quick 30 minute nap but no longer or it can keep you awake at night again.
You’re hormonal
Unfortunately for the girlies, your sleep problems could be a result of fluctuating levels of progesterone and estrogen throughout your cycle. Cramps, hot flushes, mood swings – they can all sabotage sleep and you may find yourself waking up multiple times during the night.
How to fix it: We can’t fight Mother Nature, but shortly before bedtime you can take a hot bath and take some over-the-counter painkillers for cramps. A hot cup of malt drink can also induce tiredness which can make it easier to relax and encourage natural sleep. If it’s mood swings keeping you from sleeping, try meditating before bed to soothe irritability.
You’re hungry
If you’re eating too early in the evening and are hungry by bedtime, your stomach grumbling will trigger hunger pangs that will wake you up or prevent you from sleeping completely. This is a common issue for people trying to lose weight.
How to fix it: Before bed, if you’re feeling hungry, have a high-protein snack such as a hard-boiled egg or a small serving of cheese.
It’s too quiet…
You might think it’s the rowdy neighbours keeping you awake, but in reality, your sleep environment is so quiet you could probably hear a pin drop. Total silence just makes every single noise more noticeable.
How to fix it: Turning on a nearby fan or leaving the telly on the lowest volume can create comforting white noise background that promotes undisturbed sleep. It’s not the sound itself that’s disruptive, it’s the inconsistency of it!
Your room is a mess
A sleep environment that’s cluttered and unorganised will result in a cluttered and unorganised mind – the kind of mind that doesn’t like to sleep! Stress is the number one reason for insomnia, and if mess stresses you out, you’re not doing yourself any favours.
How to fix it: Just tidy your damn room.
For more factors that affect your sleep, click here.
