If you’re wondering ‘Why am I tired all the time?’ the answer can be in your daily routine. This effects mood, energy and ability to concentrate, and can bring long-term health issues.
Being in bed all night can lead you to think you don’t sleep problems. Leaving you mystified why you feel sleepy and apathetic in the daytime.
The answer lies in the healthy sleep pattern that’s vital, every night. It’s a natural cycle involving five stages, including periods of REM (rapid eye movement) sleep several times a night. Shallow or interrupted slumber means you’re not getting what your brain and body need.
What’s happening, to interfere with your sleep cycle? Here are ten possible answers.
Your bed
Let’s start with what lies beneath! A lumpy, bumpy mattress – or one incorrect for your body shape or weight – can interfere with your sleep cycle.
Sleep Environment
In fact, your whole room plays a role in making sure you sleep soundly. Consider ventilation issues and even smells that trigger you out of deep sleep.
Electronic devices
Using a mobile phone or watching TV in bed can make it harder for your brain to ‘switch off’. Excessive screen time can be draining any time, so limit it as much as possible.
Stress
Going to bed with lots on your mind also keeps your brain active when it should be passing seamlessly through a sleep cycle. Try to leave your worries at the bedroom door!
What you drink
Caffeine is a stimulant which can lead to poor sleep and it can stay in your system for up to 10 hours. But other beverages can also cause issues at night. This obviously includes alcohol, but also acidic and carbonated drinks.
What you eat
This links to the above. If your digestive system is busy in bed your sleep will be disturbed. Try not to eat anything after 8 pm and have easy to digest supper choices like a banana.
Sleep apnoea
Do you snore, grunt, gasp or wake for no apparent reason? This could be sleep apnoea, which involves poor breathing and requires medical attention.
Light
Even the smallest amount of light – from a landing, clock or night lamp – can be enough to trigger semi-consciousness. The darker the room, the better.
Lack of exercise
General health and fitness impacts on a good night’s sleep. Doing daily exercise releases energising and mood-enhancing hormones, and helps you to sleep deeply.
Routine
Lastly, varying your ‘bedtime’ or getting up in the night, suggests a lack of a healthy routine that affects your sleep cycle. Keep to a pattern of slumber that gets your mind and body ready for quality rest.
Next step to better sleep
After considering these steps, if you’re still constantly tired please get medical advice from the team at Oval Medical Centre. Especially if you’re showing symptoms of sleep apnoea. With comprehensive diagnostic tests, including sleep studies, we can ‘put the issue to bed’!