What Keeps Me Up at Night?

from WebMD.com | December 30, 2020

It's New Year's, which means it's time for resolutions. Many of the most common resolutions have to do with taking better care of your health- and sleep is an important factor! Check out this list (courtesy of WebMD.com) of common things that can get in the way of a good night's sleep.

It's New Year's, which means it's time for resolutions! Many of the most common resolutions have to deal with health and taking care of your body- and getting a good night's sleep is an important way to take care of yourself! Just imagine how you feel after a great night's sleep, and after a not-so-good night's sleep!

With that it mind, here is a list of some of the most common things that interrupt your sleep, courtesy of WebMD.com

1. Drink Coffee After Dinner: It’s the caffeine. It was perfect with that apple pie. But at 3 a.m. when you’re still awake? Not so much. Caffeine lurks in lots of places like tea, chocolate, soda, and energy drinks.

2. Drink Alcohol: A “nightcap” is the perfect way to end the evening, right? Wrong. Alcohol messes with deep sleep, which is important for restfulness, memory, and other things your brain does. It can make you drowsy enough to fall asleep, but it often wakes you up just a few hours later.

3. Surf the web: Artificial light at night can be bad for sleep. But the “blue light” on smartphones and computers is particularly bad -- televisions, too. Shut down bright screens 2 to 3 hours before bedtime to get your body ready for snoozing.

4. Take a Nap: It's a great way to catch up on a little shut-eye. But if you take one after 3 p.m., it might affect you later on. So, no naps and no coffee. A splash of cold water on your face or a brisk walk can get you moving again.

5. Turn Up the Heat: You’ve probably noticed it’s harder to fall asleep when it’s hot. But did you know it can hurt your sleep quality, too? High humidity can make it even worse. Like so many other good things in life, if you want to get good rest, you gotta stay cool.

6. Eat Close to Bedtime: A little bit is probably fine. But a big meal or snack can supercharge your metabolism and speed up your brain, which could lead to indigestion and even nightmares. But it doesn’t affect everyone the same way. If you’re a midnight snacker, keep a diary of what happens when you eat late to see if it bothers you.

7. Take Certain Medications: If you’re supposed to take meds before bed, you should. But some prescription drugs can keep you from getting quality sleep, and some over-the-counter medications are loaded with stimulants. Check with your doctor about what you’re taking and when before you change or stop any medication.

8. Skip Exercise: Exercise is usually good for your sleep. It can boost your mood, lessen anxiety, and wind you down at bedtime. It also helps set a regular pattern of going to sleep and waking up around the same time each day (circadian rhythm).

9. Exercise Around Bedtime: Though exercise is good for your sleep, exercising too close to bedtime can ruin it. It doesn’t happen to everyone, but if that sounds like you, try to finish up your workout at least 3 hours before you go to bed.

10. Ignore Mental Health Issues: You’re more likely to have sleep problems if you have untreated mental health issues. It might be a condition like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder. Or it could be a difficult period in your life, like losing your job or partner. Whatever the cause, talk therapy, medication, or both might help. Ask your doctor what’s best for you.

11. Worry: Did I take the trash out? Did I feed the dog? Is it my turn to do carpool tomorrow? Thinking about these things can keep you up at night. Writing a to-do list before you lie down might help. It can ease your mind and make it easier to fall asleep. Keeping a pen and notepad next to your bed can be helpful if you think of something in the middle of the night.

12. Argue After Dinner: Difficult or angry discussions late at night can trigger hormones that keep you up. Save tough talks for daylight hours, and try a soothing evening routine. Read a book or listen to calming music. A hot bath or shower or some light stretching exercises might also help you wind down.

13. Drink Too Much Water: You want to drink enough to stay hydrated, but not so much that it interrupts your sleep with repeated bathroom breaks. That’s why it’s best to spread the amount of water you drink over the course of the day. Don’t try to guzzle it all down before bed.

14. Sleep In: It may seem like a good way to catch up on rest, but it doesn’t do much to make up for lost sleep. It can mess with your normal cycle of going to bed and waking up. Keep regular hours, and you’ll probably snooze better and longer.

No matter what your priorities for the new year, sleep is an important part of your day. Use these tips to help you get the best night's sleep that you can. Sweet dreams!