Health: The Factors That Are Disrupting Your Sleep Cycle

Needing more sleep is one thing all people can agree on. However, some things we do impede getting a good night’s rest. These factors that disrupt your sleep cyclemay be unavoidable for some and simple to manage for others.

Dramatic Change in Diet

Being conscious of the food you put in your body is the main cog of a healthy life. Although you will reap the long-term benefits from a change in your diet, the short-term ramifications may be frustrating. One side effect of a dramatic diet change is the lack of good sleep.

Many individuals may not notice their lack of sleep until lunchtime, realizing their eyes are feeling heavy, and it isn’t easy to keep them open. You should change your diet slowly rather than immediately cutting calories or fasting. Your body will thank you for making the slow adjustments. 

Too Much To Drink

Food isn’t the only thing you consume that can impair your sleep cycle. If you have too many alcoholic beverages or drink a caffeinated beverage before bedtime, you could have trouble falling and staying asleep. 

The best strategy is limiting yourself to the number of drinks you indulge in and cutting yourself off at a specific time. No soda or coffee after lunch, and one glass of wine at dinner should help you recalibrate your sleep cycle. 

Different Sleeping Environment

Where you sleep plays a huge factor in your sleep cycle. Even if you are off in dreamland, your body subconsciously wants the same environment every night. That includes the same temperature, noises, and darkness. Any deviation from that can confuse your circadian rhythm, preventing you from falling into a deep sleep. 

If you travel constantly for work, consider the changes in climate and time zone before departing and adjust accordingly. Otherwise, you will have a restless night of sleep ahead of you. 

Mental Struggles

When your sleep cycle gets interrupted every night, it might be because your mind refuses to shut off, dwelling on the day ahead. Anxiety and stress are a nuisance when you’re awake throughout the day, and bringing them to the bedroom isn’t helping you snooze.

The adage of not taking your work home with you is a wonderful credo to live by; otherwise, the inner struggle between your ears may be never-ending. Let your future self deal with tomorrow. For now, relax—you deserve it!

Undiagnosed Sleeping Disorder 

Sleep problems can be frustrating if you eat well, don’t drink, sleep in the same bed every night, and have a positive outlook on life. If you fall into this category, you might have an undiagnosed sleeping disorder. You don’t need a pre-existing condition for a sleep disorder to affect you. Insomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy can inflict anyone, so see a specialist if you fear the worst. 

Recognizing these factors that disrupt your sleep cyclekeeps you aware of what you can do to fix your current situation. While some things are beyond your control, there are aspects you can control that better your well-being.