The quality and length of your sleep significantly impact your life. Adequate sleep helps you feel energized, focused, and alert. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, can lead to various adverse side effects. Poor sleep hygiene can also have numerous long-term consequences. To help you recognize if your sleeping habits need an overhaul, we’ve outlined some red flags that signal it’s time to adjust how you approach slumber.
1- You Experience Chronic Fatigue
You may be experiencing chronic fatigue if you feel consistently tired throughout the day. While feeling tired isn’t entirely abnormal, it should be temporary. If it’s not, it could be a sign your current sleeping strategy isn’t working for you. If you’re experiencing chronic fatigue and suspect it could be linked to your sleep, you may want to seek professional help to pinpoint exactly what the issue is. You may want to start with an assessment from a sleep specialist.
2- You Take Too Long to Fall Asleep
If you experience this, it may be that you need to adjust your sleep environment. It’s essential to consider the factors that may be preventing you from achieving restful sleep. Your sleep environment should be as dark and quiet as possible. Even the smallest amount of light can disrupt your sleep-wake pattern, and excessive noise can disrupt your ability to tune out distractions and relax. To create a restful sleep environment, consider avoiding bright lights. Use blackout curtains to ensure your sleep area is as dark as possible. You should also invest in a weighted blanket to promote relaxation.
3- You Wake Up Feeling Unrested
If you consistently wake up feeling this way, it could be a sign your current sleep approach isn’t working for you. There are a variety of factors that could be contributing to disrupted sleep, including eating just before bedtime, taking a high-sugar diet, high caffeine intake, and nicotine use. Medication may also be impacting your sleep, especially over the long term.
4- You Have Consistent Headaches or Body Aches
The way you sleep is crucial to the quality of sleep. If your neck, back, or head hurts when you wake up, you may want to change your sleeping surface or posture. If you can’t sleep, it could be because your mattress is too soft (or hard) or your pillow isn’t the correct size. Try different sleeping positions and consider getting a comfortable mattress and pillow if you need one.
5- You Wake Up Frequently During the Night
Even after falling asleep quickly, you may realize that you wake up too often at night. Even the slightest noise interrupts your sleep. This could be a sign that you are dealing with some anxiety issues, or it could be your sleeping habits. It is also essential to understand the best time to sleep so that you rest undisturbed.
Healthy sleep habits are critical for promoting both physical and mental health. If you’re experiencing any of the signs outlined above, it may be that your current sleep approach isn’t working for you. We encourage you to seek additional information and make the necessary changes to ensure you get the rest your body needs to thrive.