Kinds of Lack of Sleep

Frequent lack of sleep can be bad for your mental and physical health. When you do not get enough sleep your thinking can be sluggish, you can become irritable, and your body can become exhausted. There are a variety of reasons why someone suffers from a lack of sleep. Learning about the different reasons can help you determine what may be causing your lack of sleep.

Surroundings

• An uncomfortable mattress can distrub your sleep and also cause severe back pain during the day.

  Your environment can be a reason for your lack of sleep. Noisy neighbors, partner that snores, or an uncomfortable mattress can be factors. These sounds can be keeping you awake at night or may wake you up abruptly during the night. Other environmental factors can be extreme temperature changes such as insufficient heating or cooling in your bedroom or house.

Sleep Conditions

• Sleep conditions or disorders can cause lack of sleep. Sleep apnea, insomnia, sleepwalking, night terrors, and restless leg syndrome are examples of conditions that can sabotage a good night's sleep. For example, sleep apnea is a condition where someone wakes up frequently because of a lack of oxygen intake during sleep. Because of the interrupted sleep you are unable to complete a full sleep cycle and wake up tired and feel sluggish throughout the day.

Substances and Medications

• Ask your doctor about side effects of any medications you are taking.

  Caffeine may be keeping you up late at night or robbing you of a full night's sleep. Other substances, such as nicotine and alcohol, also can prevent sleep. Don't consume these substances four hours before bedtime to allow the stimulants to wear off. Read the label on any medication you may be taking. Certain medicines can interrupt sleep.