Sleep, or lack of it, is undoubtedly one of the hottest topics of today. Hectic lifestyles and daily demands often push our stress levels through the roof. While needing rest and sleep to balance out and recover, we are increasingly experiencing bouts of insomnia and have trouble falling asleep. Here are seven factors that may disrupt your sleep.

1. Stress

If your body and mind are in continuous overdrive, they may fool you to work just a few hours more or push you to do some other things, when in fact, it’s already bedtime. The list of things to do has no end, and issues at work find their way into your mind in the wee hours of the night, waking you up with a start. Going back to sleep may prove difficult. The most common reason for sleeping disorders is stress.

2. A late meal

To digest a heavy meal close to bedtime may play havoc on your sleeping pattern. This is because your body tries to digest the food instead of taking care of its primary function at night: recovery and repair. So if you happen to eat too late, a digestive aid can help. It is generally recommended that the day’s last meal is no later than two hours before bedtime.

3. Noise and light

The light summer nights may wake you up too early or keep you from falling asleep. Blackout curtains may just be the best investment you make! If possible, also try to eliminate any disturbing sources of noise and blue light emitted by mobile devices and TVs. Do this at least one hour before your bedtime.

4. Nutritional deficiencies

Many have a magnesium deficiency, which may be caused by chronic stress or a poor diet. Magnesium is a mineral that relaxes the nervous system, so it is recommended to take it in the evening due to its sleep-inducing properties. Our Night Complex is formulated to improve your sleep and contains stomach-friendly magnesium bisglycinate. It absorbs quickly and helps the body and mind to wind down in the evening.

5. Working out late

Working out is excellent for your health and well-being, but doing it too late in the evening may cause your body to end up in overdrive. This can make falling asleep challenging.

6. Caffeine in the afternoon or evening

It takes as long as 5-7 hours for caffeine to leave your system and for some, even a morning cup of coffee can still keep you alert in the evening. Tea, cola beverages, chocolate, and some flu medications typically all contain caffeine. Review your daily caffeine intake and consider reducing it.

7. Alcohol

A nightcap does, in fact, not improve your sleep. Alcohol might help you fall asleep more quickly, but you will most likely not get the much-needed recovery from your sleep. Excessive use of alcohol is often related to sleep disorders.

 

Image credit: Unsplash / Maddi Bazzocco