Nighttime is when most of us are looking forward to sleeping soundly. But, sometimes, you might find yourself waking up at 4 A.M. for no apparent reason. Some of us go back to sleep, whereas the rest keep twisting and turning in the bed. Waking up quite late at night is fairly common. However, disturbed sleep each night and trouble falling asleep afterward usually has an underlying cause. We will discuss why this might happen in this blog.
Reasons Why You Keep Waking Up at 4 A.M.
Many factors can cause you to wake up at 4 A.M. every night, and these include:
1. Insomnia
Insomnia can look like difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. Insomniacs might even keep waking up before they intend to. Consequently, it can lead to a night of disturbed and restless sleep. Moreover, people with insomnia also feel tired throughout the day. Several factors like health conditions and improper sleep hygiene can result in insomnia.
If you suspect you have this condition, talking to a good sleep specialist might help. They will confirm if insomnia is the cause of your restless sleep and recommend adequate treatment accordingly.
2. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a potentially risky disorder in which you stop breathing during slumber. People who suffer from sleep apnea might keep waking up at night. As a result, your sleeping routine gets disturbed. In addition, you might also experience a headache after you wake up, tiredness throughout the day, and more.
Consult your healthcare provider if you suspect sleep apnea. If you have it, they will suggest the necessary treatment like a CPAP. Sleep apnea might lead to severe health issues; thus, strictly follow whatever treatment your sleep doctor suggests.
3. Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes can be why you wake up at 4 A.M. or in the middle of the night. Pregnancy, premenopause, and menopause all bring sleep disturbances. Many physical changes occur during pregnancy, which leads to disturbed sleep.
Sleeping on a maternity pillow might be helpful during pregnancy. For women in their perimenopausal or menopausal, cool bedding or a fan might provide a comparatively relaxed sleep.
4. Aging
Our life is marked by various changes as we grow. Adults start waking up too early bt their middle ages, as they experience shortened sleep duration. Furthermore, they wake up during the night and take time falling asleep too.
If you struggle to fall or stay asleep due to aging, your doctor might suggest cognitive behavioral therapy or strategic light exposure. Drop by your doctor so they can recommend the necessary treatment.
What Should I Do?
Waking up at 4 A.M. and finding it hard to sleep again can be bothersome. If you keep waking up in the middle of the night, seek your doctor’s help. Many causes can cause restless sleep, from sleeping habits to disorders. Our sleep specialists at Nirvana Elite Sleep & Wellness can help you with your sleeping concerns. We are just a few digits away; dial 832-952-1199 to contact us.