We all know how important sleep quality is when it comes to maintaining our overall health and wellbeing, but what can you do if you are dealing with poor sleep quality? If you are looking to improve your sleep quality, you may want to consider some of the following factors that may be affecting it, from an irregular sleep schedule, to stress levels, and more. Let’s go ahead and break down some of the top things that may be affecting your sleep quality and what you can do about them:
1. Irregular Sleep Schedule
One thing that may be affecting your sleep quality is your sleep schedule. Our bodies are designed to operate on a regular rhythm of waking and sleeping, but when you go to bed and wake up at different times each day, it is difficult for your body to predict when it should feel tired or energized. By keeping a regular sleep schedule, your body can begin to anticipate your patterns, leading to less time being needed to fall asleep and better sleep quality.
2. Eating or Drinking Close to Bedtime
Another factor that may be impacting your sleep quality is eating or drinking close to bedtime. When you consume food or drink within a couple hours of bedtime, you can damage your sleep quality as a result of digestion occurring while you are asleep. The process of digestion works best while you are awake, and eating or drinking close to bedtime may lead to overnight digestive discomfort, which can significantly impact your sleep quality.
3. Distractions in the Bedroom
Many of us have screens present throughout our lives, but keeping a television or phone near your bed may negatively impact your sleep quality. These screens and other distractions have the potential to produce stimuli throughout the night that can affect the quality of your sleep. This is why it is recommended to keep your bedroom free of screens, and maintain a quiet, dark environment for sleeping.
4. Stress and Anxiety
When we are stressed or anxious, it can be much more difficult to fall asleep, stay asleep, or get good quality sleep because of the continued activity of the parasympathetic nervous system throughout the night. By maintaining good stress-reduction habits, such as meditation, journaling, and more, you can help to lower your overall stress levels and allow your body to get more restful sleep throughout the night.
5. Certain Types of Medications
In addition to the factors that we have discussed already, certain types of medications can also affect your sleep quality. If you are taking medications such as SSRIs, amphetamines, or blood pressure medication, you may want to consult with a healthcare professional about the impact these drugs can have on your sleep quality. From taking your medication at a different time of day, to alternative medications, and more, there are solutions that can help to restore your sleep quality.
Now that you know about some of the top things that may be affecting your sleep quality, you are one step closer to enjoying the great rest that your body needs. If you are looking for strategies to help you get better sleep, you can find out about some of the best ways to improve your sleep quality right here.
