Restless Sleep: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Sleeplessness comes in a variety of shapes and forms. Read on to learn what is restless sleep, the symptoms, and how to treat it here.
When’s the last time you’ve had a great night’s sleep? If you’re like many other Americans, it may have been a while. In fact, 27% of people say that they struggle with falling asleep most nights, while 68% say that this happens at least once a week.
However, sleeplessness comes in different forms, and while some people suffer from insomnia, others suffer from a condition known as restless sleep.
So what is restless sleep? Keep reading for a guide that will help you understand what it is, as well as how to overcome it.
What Is Restless Sleep?
Restless sleep is something that most people have experienced. It refers to that horrible moment when you’re laying in bed and no matter how hard you try, you can’t drift off. Your mind races, you toss and turn, and you begin to get frustrated.
Many people feel the effects of restless sleep the next day. You might feel groggy, drowsy, and unable to think clearly.
Although insomnia and restless sleep are often lumped into the same category, the two are different. Insomnia is a medical condition, while restless sleep is not.
People with insomnia often experience restless sleep, but not everyone who experiences restless sleep suffers from insomnia.
Causes of Restless Sleep
So if you do often find yourself unable to drift off to sleep, what’s the cause behind the problem?
For many, stress and anxiety are the biggest issues. These can keep your mind racing until late in the night, making it impossible for you to settle down and fall asleep. Depression and grief can also make falling asleep difficult.
For other people, stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine can make you feel restless. Likewise, while sedatives and alcohol are depressants, they can also disrupt your normal sleep cycle, making it hard to fall and stay asleep.
You should also consider the environment you’re sleeping in. It should have a temperature conducive to sleep, a limited amount of noise, and the right amount of light.
How to Sleep When Restless
If you do experience restless sleep, there are some things you can do to encourage your body to drift off.
Try to stick to a consistent sleep schedule, making a point to go to bed and wake up early. This will help your body fall alseep and wake up in its own.
If you do need some help falling asleep, you can try taking a sleep aid, such as melatonin. If that doesn’t help, schedule an appointment with your physician or a sleep doctor. They might be able to treat you for sleep apnea or some other disorder.
Give Yourself the Dreamy Sleep You Deserve
What is restless sleep? As this guide explains, it’s something that far too many people suffer from. Make sure that you put your health first and follow the tips mentioned to stop restless sleep from controlling and affecting your life.
Do you have a better understanding of what restless sleep is and how to overcome it? If you do, take a moment to check out some of our other blog posts for more guides and tips that will help you lead a happy and healthy life.
