Everyone knows the importance of getting 6-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each day. But for too many adults, sleep doesn’t come easy. Insomnia keeps them up for hours on end, and in some cases, people fall asleep only to reawaken every few hours. Over time, not getting enough shuteye can take its toll on your health.
The sleep cycle consists of both REM (rapid eye movement) and non-REM stages. Each stage lasts for 70-120 minutes and triggers specific neuronal activity. During non-REM stages, the body relaxes, and the deepest sleep occurs. Brain activity increases during REM phases, and dreams happen. Unfortunately, disrupted sleep prevents your body from enjoying the benefits of each cycle. Here’s why you may be having trouble sleeping:
1. Untreated Stress
Everyone experiences stressful periods throughout their life. Problems at work, tight finances, and relationships issue are common reasons to worry. But too much stress can prevent your mind from calming down at night. Meditation, melatonin, and plenty of vitamin D are natural ways to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep.
2. Modern Technology
How much time do you spend scrolling on your mobile device? There’s a good chance you’re scrolling on one right now. However, too much screen time right before bed can interfere with your body’s circadian rhythm. Blue light tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime and prevents it from releasing melatonin. Luckily, this is an easy problem to resolve. Try switching off all computers, phones, and televisions a few hours before you go to sleep.
3. Advanced Age
Getting older is a privilege many people don’t get to experience. But as your body ages, so does your internal clock. People who were once night owls find themselves going to bed earlier. Seniors also tend to sleep lighter than younger generations. Keeping the bedroom dark and quiet will help you fall asleep with ease.
4. Being Female
Women experience hormonal shifts during every life stage. Those of childbearing age have their estrogen and progestogen levels rise and fall during menstrual cycles. Insomnia is a common pregnancy symptom, and when menopause hits, hormonal imbalances are even more common. Some women have uncontrollable night sweats and struggle to fall asleep. Keeping hormone levels in a safe range will ensure you sleep soundly and wake up ready to take on the day.
5. Underlying Health Conditions
Many health problems go hand-in-hand with insomnia. Cancer, GERD, thyroid disorders, fibromyalgia, and chronic pain keep sufferers up at night. Even the medications used to treat these conditions can trigger sleep disorders. Better sleep is possible, however. You might benefit from a different treatment, such as low-dose naltrexone or a compounded specialty medication.
Enjoy a Good Night’s Sleep
Ideally, it should only take 10-20 minutes to fall asleep. And once you enter dreamland, your eyes should stay closed until morning. Towne Lake Family Pharmacy offers custom treatment options to ensure you sleep through the night. We are a family-owned compounding pharmacy dedicated to helping you live a healthy, happy, and well-rested life.
Insomnia keeping you up at night? Schedule a consultation with our pharmacists to learn why you’re having trouble sleeping.