We’ve all been there before, lying awake at night, tossing and turning, wondering why you’re unable to sleep. Sometimes the reason is something obvious, like that evening cup of coffee or a midday nap, but other times it’s seemingly for no reason! This can be extremely frustrating, particularly if it’s happening on a frequent basis.
There are so many factors in our daily life that can affect whether or not we’re able to fall asleep or the quality of our sleep, like whether we sleep through the night without waking up. If you’re someone who struggles with getting a good night’s sleep, check out this article which will explore all the potential reasons for waking up in the night…
1. Anxiety
Anxiety is something we’ve all experienced before on some level. Of course, there are varying degrees of anxiety and for some, it’s more frequent and debilitating to their everyday life. The Mayo Clinic notes that trouble sleeping is one of the most common symptoms of anxiety disorder. This condition can greatly affect sleeping by causing a racing heartbeat and/or night terrors. “Additionally, there are people who may experience what are called nocturnal panic attacks, meaning they may have transient episodes of intense panic that wake them up from their slumber,” says Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe to SELF.
If you think your lack of sleep is due to anxiety, you should consult with a doctor to determine if there is an underlying anxiety disorder at play. A doctor can also provide suggestions for treatment options, such as meditation or breathing exercises.