For most people who are not getting enough sleep, it’s not a choice, but rather other factors that cause sleep issues. Knowing these issues can help you work toward a better night’s sleep. Sleep issues that can keep you from getting enough sleep include:
Stimulants – Drinking that extra cup of coffee after dinner might have been just enough caffeine to keep you from sleeping well. Certain pain relievers and decongestants, nicotine, soda and tea, and even chocolate all can be culprits preventing you from falling asleep.
Pain – Conditions including arthritis, congestive heart failure and sickle cell anemia can be painful and uncomfortable, making it difficult to fall asleep.
Breathing problems – Having chronic asthma or bronchitis can not only keep you awake, but also can increase the number times you wake up during the night. Snoring and sleep apnea – when you stop breathing for periods of time during sleep – can also destroy your best efforts to get a good night’s sleep.
Menstrual cycle hormones – Women experience lower levels of progesterone during part of their menstrual cycle, which can cause them to have trouble sleeping.
Lifestyle choices – Eating large meals, exercising, watching TV or using other electronics with bright screens right before trying to sleep are all activities that can keep you from falling asleep easily and sleeping through the night.
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