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Reasons Why You Have Trouble Sleeping at Night

Rashida Khilawala
Having trouble sleeping at night? Well, you are not alone. Here is some useful information and help for you to get rid of this bothersome problem.
Sleep problems at night can be due to various reasons. While most lose sleep due to anxiety and nervousness, some have sleep disorders. Pregnant women face troubles sleeping due to physical and hormonal fluctuations, and children face sleepless nights due to nightmares.
Lack of quality sleep can have a damaging impact on your mental and physical health. Therefore, it is essential to be acquainted with the indicants of common sleep disorders and to understand when to see a doctor.

Reasons for Sleeping Difficulty at Night

Insomnia

It is one of the most common sleep disorders caused due to excessive stress resulting in a cycle of sleeplessness. One does feel tired and lethargic and the person tends to consume a lot of coffee and energy drinks. This again leads to sleeplessness. It becomes a vicious cycle over time. Mostly, self-hypnosis and meditation help in relieving this problem.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is characterized by sleeplessness due to breathing difficulty. While the person doesn't stay up the whole night, his/her sleep cycle is disrupted due to sudden breathlessness or excessive snoring.
People suffering from this disorder are mostly drowsy and sleepy in the daytime as well. This is because their sleep was inadequate and incomplete due to the breathing trouble. To deal with sleep apnea, CPAP is a sure shot answer. CPAP stands for continuous positive airway pressure. This device helps in regulating your breathing while sleeping.
Yes, it may be a little uncomfortable in the first use, but you will get used to it with time. You can try using it everyday for sometime during the daytime. This will help you get familiarized with the mechanics of it. The bliss of deep slumber is worth the "getting used to" process.

Pregnancy

Trouble while sleeping at night during pregnancy can be very uncomfortable. Obviously, you have your hormones acting up, suffer from food cravings in the middle of the night and have bladder emergencies. While it would be very comforting to say that there is a cure for this, sadly there isn't. But, it is a temporary problem that will end soon after delivery.
However, there are a few remedies that can surely help you out. Sleep for longer hours. Always keep some food close by to munch on. This way, even if you wake up at night and are hungry, you don't need to walk all the way till the kitchen for a snack.
Do not drink water half an hour before you sleep. Relieve yourself just before you go to bed. Get a foot massage done once a day to avoid cramps, and keep a lot of pillows on the bed to make yourself comfortable.

Problems Observed in Children

Many children are seen battling sleep trouble at night. This is mostly due to stress or apnea. Babies facing the same problem is also very common. Basically, babies don't have a set sleeping pattern. So, in case they wake up at night, just comfort them and send them back to sleep. They mostly recover from the lack of sleep in the daytime.
In children, on the other hand, many counselors have reported that, experiencing trouble sleeping during the night is due to nightmares and fears. They are extremely susceptible to be affected by the fears in society. The only solution to this problem is to comfort them.
Give them the confidence that they are safe and no one will harm them. Do not get them too used to sleeping with you, because this way their confidence will never build. Stay with them till they fall asleep and then leave the room. In case of sleep apnea during childhood, it is best to consult a pediatrician for help.
Having problems while sleeping at night is a hindrance to a healthy lifestyle. Consultation and antianxiety techniques help to overcome sleeplessness. There are several herbs that one can opt for, to get rid of lack of sleep. This is where we sign off! Take care!
Disclaimer: This is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.