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Reasons for Lack of Sleep

Not getting enough sleep can be bad for your health, both mentally and physically. When you have a lack of sleep your thinking can be slowed, you can be irritable and your body can suffer from the exhaustion of no rest. There are many reasons one can suffer a lack of sleep and learning some of them can help you determine what might be causing a lack of sleep should you suffer from it.

  1. Sleep Disorders

    • Sleep conditions and disorders are one cause of having a lack of sleep. For example, sleep apnea is a condition in which you wake frequently due to a lack of oxygen intake during sleep. In the morning you're is left without a sufficient amount of good rest. Other conditions include insomnia, sleepwalking or talking, night terrors and restless leg syndrome.

    Environment

    • The environment around you can be a reason for your lack of sleep. If you have noisy neighbors, for example, or a partner who snores, these sounds can be keeping you up at night or waking you in the night. Other environmental factors can be an uncomfortable mattress which can cause pain or discomfort that can keep you up, or temperature such as if you have insufficient heating or cooling in your house or apartment.

    Substances

    • Certain substances can cause a lack of sleep or inability to fall asleep. If you drink lots of caffeine, for instance, this may be keeping you up later at night and you should try to avoid drinking it at least four hours before bed. Other substances that can prevent sleep or good sleep are nicotine and alcohol. Certain medications can also interact with your ability to sleep and if you are taking any and wonder or fear they are doing so, talk to your doctor.

    Your Lifestyle

    • Lifestyle factors can also contribute to getting less sleep at night. For example, if you've just had a baby your lifestyle is probably hectic. Other factors can be stress, such as with your job or a relationship, working late or working too much, partying or going out often or too late with friends, and eating food right before bed.

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