Why Do You Wake Up At The Same Time Every Night?
Do you ever wake up at the same time every night? If so, you’re not alone! There are a number of reasons why this happens. One possibility is that you’re experiencing what’s known as nocturnal awakening or early morning awakening. This is a relatively common phenomenon, with studies showing that 35.% of people wake up in the middle of the night on three or more nights per week.
There are a number of potential causes for nocturnal awakenings, including stress, anxiety, medications, and sleep disorders. If you’re frequently waking up in the middle of the night and struggling to fall back asleep, it’s important to talk to your doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.
Sleep Environment Disturbances
Some cases of waking up at the exact same time each night may have to do with your sleep environment, namely Sleep Environment Disturbances. Things such as consistent nigh time noises from outdoor traffic, cell phones and even television shows can cause these issues. In many cases, making some simple lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of nocturnal awakenings. You may also consider investing in a white noise machine to help block out any disruptive night-time sounds.
Making small changes to your sleep habits can make a big difference in the quality of your sleep.
Getting Older Effects Your Sleep
As we age, our circadian rhythms change and it becomes more common for us to wake up early in the morning. In fact, older adults often wake up three to four times every night. This is because we spend less time in deep sleep as we get older, which makes it easier for us to be awoken during the night. Other causes of sleep changes due to age include things like nocturia (waking up to urinate), anxiety, and symptoms associated with chronic health issues.
Tips To Getting A Better Night’s Sleep
There are a number of things you can do to improve your sleep, including
• Establishing a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. This will help regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm.
• Creating a relaxing bedtime routine. Avoid watching television or working on the computer in the hours leading up to sleep. Instead, take a warm bath or read a book to help yourself relax.
• Making sure your bedroom is comfortable. Keep your bedroom dark, quiet and cool. Make sure the bed is comfortable and there are no distractions that could keep you awake.
• Exercising during the day. Getting regular exercise can help improve your sleep quality. Just be sure to avoid exercising too close to bedtime, as this can actually make it harder to fall asleep.
• Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bed, as well as nicotine throughout the day. Caffeine can stay in your system for up to eight hours, so it’s best to avoid it after lunch if you’re having trouble sleeping at night. Alcohol may make you feel sleepy, but it actually disrupts your sleep later in the night. And nicotine is a stimulant that can keep you awake and make it difficult to fall asleep.
