Chronic insomnia can also be the cause of these regular awakenings. It’s difficult to fall asleep deeply when you’re already anticipating waking up at night. This creates sleep-related anxiety that can worsen the situation.
Aging: Lighter Sleep
As we age, sleep generally becomes less deep . Sleep cycles change, making it more likely that we’ll wake up at the slightest noise or discomfort. If you’re older, this could be a simple explanation for your interrupted nights.
Medications and health conditions
Certain medications, such as antidepressants, beta-blockers, or diuretics , can disrupt your sleep patterns. Additionally, health conditions such as arthritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or sleep apnea can cause nighttime awakenings due to pain or difficulty breathing.
Lifestyle: Caffeine, alcohol and screens
Your lifestyle habits play a major role. Consuming coffee or alcohol too close to bedtime can affect the quality of your sleep. In addition, screens (phone, tablet, computer) emit blue light that disrupts the production of melatonin , the hormone that regulates your sleep.
