Sleep disturbances affect nearly everyone at some point. They occur when you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, which leads to daytime fatigue or sleepiness. Common sleep disturbances include:
- Insomnia - Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Sleep apnea - Brief pauses in breathing during sleep
- Restless leg syndrome - Uncomfortable sensations and urge to move legs
- Circadian rhythm disorders - Misaligned sleep-wake cycles
What causes sleep disturbances? There are often multiple factors involved, such as:
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Certain medications, substances, or health conditions
- Environmental factors like noise, light, or uncomfortable sleep surface
- Behavioral factors like inconsistent sleep routines
The effects of poor sleep go beyond just feeling tired.
Sleep disturbances can negatively impact your:
- Energy, alertness, concentration, and cognition
- Mood and emotional regulation
- Immune system and inflammation levels
- Metabolism and weight control
Over time, lack of quality sleep also increases risks for chronic diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even early mortality.
If you're struggling with sleep issues, the hormone clinic New Beginnings HRT Clinic can help. We specialize in natural sleep hormone therapies that get to the root causes of sleep disturbances. Our individualized treatment plans help regulate sleep-wake cycles, reduce insomnia, and improve sleep quality. Book a consultation today to learn more!
To alleviate
sleep disturbances, a multifaceted approach is best. Lifestyle changes like:
- Establishing a regular sleep-wake schedule
- Making the bedroom comfortable and tech-free
- Avoiding alcohol, large meals, and caffeine before bedtime
- Exercising regularly, but not right before bed
- Practicing yoga, meditation, or relaxation techniques
- Following sleep hygiene principles
Certain over-the-counter or prescription medications may also be helpful, especially for short-term management of insomnia. Discuss options with your healthcare provider.
For long-standing or severe sleep problems, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is considered the gold standard treatment. CBT-I aims to improve sleep by targeting unhelpful thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that negatively impact sleep.
In summary,
sleep disturbances like insomnia and sleep apnea are extremely common. Lack of quality sleep can significantly impair health, wellbeing, productivity, and longevity. A multifaceted treatment approach including lifestyle changes, medications if appropriate, and possibly CBT-I offers the best chance for resolving persistent sleep problems.
Ask your healthcare provider about innovative options like hormone therapy from New Beginnings HRT Clinic - proven to regulate sleep-wake cycles to help you sleep better and live better.