7 Possible Reasons You Can't Sleep

by - 8/17/2017 04:46:00 AM




Not being able to sleep is one of the life’s most irritating experiences. You lie there for night after night, knowing that you’re tired - having experienced tiredness during the daytime - but suddenly, you can’t seem to get to sleep.

Finding the cause is akin to finding a needle in a haystack. You can do all the work on your sleep hygiene that you could possibly want, but often that alone is not enough to fix an underlying issue. Insomnia is a particularly irritating state of being because the more frustrated you get over the lack of sleep, the less likely you are to nod off.

Given how complex the matter can be, sometimes it’s best to just look down a list and see if anything sounds familiar to your experience. The reasons for insomnia can be wide-ranging, so such a list needs to be likewise - so let’s get right to it, see if anything chimes a bell, and you could finally sleep soundly at last.

1) Health Conditions

There are a number of health conditions which can cause insomnia. The most common suspects at the top of the list would be conditions such as an underactive thyroid, as well as some autoimmune conditions. These tend to be easily found on a blood test, so there’s no harm in asking your doctor to run a basic check.

2) Poor Bed Support

If your body is not well supported, then you’re not going to sleep well - it really is that simple. If your bed is more than five years old, it’s unlikely to still be comfortable enough to sustain a good position for sleep. Take the time to listen to pocket sprung mattress advice, research the right pillows for you, and ensure you’re always flipping your mattress. Comfort is important, so don’t overlook it.

3) Too Much Blue Light

Blue light - which is emitted by TVs and other electronic devices - plays havoc with our natural circadian rhythm. If, after dark, you have a tendency to be looking at a lot of blue light, you’re preventing your brain from releasing the “time to bed” hormones it usually would. That’s because the blue light is convincing your brain it’s still daytime. To counteract this, you can wear orange glasses after dark, and there are various apps and filters that can make electronic devices safe for us at night.

4) Your Mind Is Too Busy

Clearing your thoughts is easier said than done, but it’s a necessity if you’re going to be trying to sleep. If your mind is still jumbled from thoughts and problems of the day, then you’re going to find it very difficult to drift off. Always try and write down any lingering ideas, as well as a to-do list for the next day, prior to going to sleep.

5) Restless Sleep

If you do manage to doze off, then there’s no guarantee it’s going to be suitably restorative for you. A condition called sleep apnea can not only make it difficult to fall asleep but also continually wake you up during the night. The symptoms aren’t easy to identify while awake, so if you suspect you suffer from sleep apnea, you’ll need to see a doctor so they can conduct a sleep study test.

6) Too Much Light

It’s not just blue light that can be problematic for your ability to get to sleep. Too much light of any kind can make falling asleep difficult, be it internal lights, the reflected glow of outside street lamps, or just the ‘standby’ button on your TV. Try and keep your bedroom as dark as possible; if that’s not simple, then use an eye mask to block out any irritatingly intrusive light. Blackout curtains and blinds are a worthwhile investment if you don’t already have them.

7) Medication Side Effects


A wide variety of different medications can have a severe impact on your ability to sleep. Antidepressants, antihistamines, and painkillers all tend to come with some warning about the risk of insomnia. They are far from alone, too. So if you find yourself suddenly experiencing an attack of insomnia, it’s worth checking the side effects leaflet on any medications or supplements you are taking. If you find this might be the cause, then discuss things with your doctor to try and find a suitable alternative.

Insomnia might be aggravating, and it might be difficult to pinpoint exactly what is causing yours. However, by going through the above and striking them off, you should be closer to being able to identify the reason than ever before.


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