Getting a good night’s sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your physical and mental health. High-quality sleep helps your body repair itself and improves brain function. This helps you wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day. Alternatively, poor sleep can have a serious impact on your overall health. It can lead to daytime fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, and lower energy. Without proper treatment, it can also lead to serious long-term health consequences. It is essential to get at least seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. The amount of sleep you get is just as important as the quality of sleep you get. You may wonder: Why am I waking up in the middle of the night?
Why Am I Waking Up In the Middle of the Night?
There are several reasons people wake up in the middle of the night. Some causes may be short-term and related to your mental health. However, other causes may be more serious and require treatment from a sleep specialist. Sleep disorders are a common cause of poor sleep. Sleep apnea, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome are common sleep conditions. Below, you will find helpful information about what is causing you to wake up in the middle of the night.
Mental Health Issues
Stress and anxiety are common mental health issues that impact sleep. Stress causes the body to release cortisol, a stress hormone that interrupts the natural sleep cycle. Sometimes, stress and anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep. It can also cause sleep disruptions. High cortisol, caused by stress or anxiety, can cause you to suddenly wake up at night. This often occurs in the early hours of the morning, as cortisol levels naturally rise during this time. Research shows that people with high stress or anxiety experience sleep fragmentation. This results in poor sleep quality and can lead to long-term insomnia. Treatment from a sleep specialist is necessary to ensure your long-term health.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea is a serious sleep condition that requires treatment. It often goes undiagnosed, and many people suffer serious consequences because of it. Sleep apnea occurs when the airways in the throat temporarily collapse. This collapse leads the person to stop breathing for a few seconds. When this occurs, the brain quickly wakes to restart your breathing. The sleep interruptions can occur without the person fully waking up. However, the disruptions can severely impact sleep quality. Untreated sleep apnea leads to waking up in the middle of the night, loud snoring, gasping, and daytime fatigue. Treatment is necessary for your health, as sleep apnea can lead to serious health consequences.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can significantly impact sleep. This is especially true for women. Menopause, pregnancy, and menstrual cycles are all common times when hormones naturally fluctuate for women. This can affect body temperature, mood, and women’s sleep patterns. In fact, research has shown that more than half of women experience insomnia or nighttime waking during menopause. Men can also experience hormonal fluctuations that affect their sleep. Natural aging in men results in a decline in testosterone levels. This can also impact sleep patterns. A sleep specialist can help both men and women impacted by hormonal sleep issues. Prompt treatment is essential to minimize the risk of more severe health issues resulting from poor sleep.
Blood Sugar Issues
Blood sugar fluctuations can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night. This occurs when your blood sugar drops too low. When blood sugar levels fall, the body releases adrenaline and cortisol. These are helpful in raising your blood sugar, but they can also jolt you awake in the middle of the night. Blood sugar fluctuations can lead to sweating, shakiness, and a racing heart. This is common for those with diabetes or prediabetes. However, it can happen to people without those diagnoses for a couple of reasons. Skipping meals or not eating enough at dinner are common causes. Modifying your meal habits and nighttime routine may address the issue. However, persistent waking in the middle of the night should be evaluated by a skilled and experienced sleep specialist.
Poor Sleep Hygiene
Preparing for rest can have a huge impact on the quality of your sleep. Irregular sleep schedules and poor evening habits can confuse your body’s internal clock. Your internal clock is referred to as the circadian rhythm. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats on a 24-hour cycle. Several factors can disrupt the circadian rhythm. Too much screen time can increase your exposure to blue light. This can lower melatonin levels, an important hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep. Other poor sleep hygiene habits include irregular bedtimes, late sleep schedules, and sleeping in, as well as eating too close to bedtime. If you continue to experience persistent sleep issues despite adjusting your nighttime routine, consider consulting a sleep specialist.
Do I Need To See A Sleep Specialist?
Regularly waking up in the middle of the night is a cause for medical concern. There are several signs that you may need to see a sleep specialist. Difficulty falling asleep, feeling groggy in the morning, daytime fatigue, loud snoring, and mood changes often indicate more significant issues. If your sleep problems are worsening or you rely on sleep aids to fall asleep, it’s time to consult a sleep specialist. They can assess your symptoms and determine the right course of action. Each patient is uniquely different, so treatment is customized towards your individual needs. Medication, oral devices, and lifestyle changes are common treatment methods.
Untreated sleep issues can lead to several serious health issues. This includes heart disease, high blood pressure, weight gain, and diabetes. Poor sleep can also lead to issues at work or school, which can impact your livelihood and career. It is imperative to address sleep issues to ensure your health and overall quality of life. If you have persistent sleep issues, contact the team at Sleep MD today to schedule an appointment!
