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5 Things That Stop You From Sleeping

A variety of factors including diet, medications, psychological issues, routine and activity level influence how you sleep. In order to get the appropriate amount of sleep each night, you must address any imbalances or issues present in any of these areas. Once you learn behavior that can promote a good night's sleep, you will be able to determine the activities that stop you from sleeping.

  1. Diet

    • Eating too much food close to bedtime can keep you up for hours while your body digests the meal. Spicy foods can also trigger heartburn, which can prevent your body from relaxing for sleep. Avoid drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, black tea or soda at least 8 hours before bed. These stimulants keep you up and it takes several hours for your body to eliminate the effects of caffeine.

    Medications

    • If you take prescription medications, check the side effects to determine if your medicine may prevent sleep. Medications that are known to interfere with your sleep patterns include heart and blood pressure medications, antidepressants, allergy pills and stimulants such as Ritalin. Over-the-counter medications such as weight loss and decongestant medicines may also prevent you from sleeping.

    Psychological Issues

    • Many people go to bed with issues, concerns and worries on their mind. These thoughts can cause stress and anxiety in your body, which may prevent you from sleeping. Try relaxing and unwinding before bed with a hobby such as reading, yoga, painting or talking with friends. If you have serious anxieties, you may benefit from speaking to a therapist.

    Routine

    • A habitual bedtime routine will help you get a good night's sleep. The body responds well to routine around sleep time. Head to bed at around the same time each night. An erratic schedule disturbs your sleep patterns and can cause sleeplessness. Try to begin unwinding an hour before bed and make your sleep area soothing and dark. Listen to soft music or take a warm shower to prepare your body for rest.

    Activity Level

    • A sedentary lifestyle can keep you up at night. Try to get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. According to the Mayo Clinic, regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, can help you fall asleep faster and make your sleep more restful.

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