15 Reasons You Are Not Able To Sleep At Night
Skip to content

Table of Contents

When was the last time you could go to sleep quickly and stay asleep until late in the morning? Well, you should think about it. Not getting enough sleep or not being able to sleep right can be an issue that can lead to many problems. 

As we age this change may occur but there can also be some treatable medical options to treat insomnia. Getting medical help for treating the issue of not being able to sleep can be helpful for you. 

Irregular sleep patterns have been linked to major health issues such as depression, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and obesity. There are several reasons why you might not be able to fall asleep. And we have listed here 15 reasons you are not able to sleep at night. You can check if any of the issues on this list are interfering with your ability to sleep. 

Not Able To Sleep At Night

Reasons Why You Are Not Able To Sleep At Night

There can be many reasons why you are not able to sleep at night. It could be medical reasons or any new life changes that you have adopted recently or can be any changes in your meals etc. Here, you will find out the 15 causes of sleepless nights. 

1. Using Phones Late At Night

Also, the use of your phone just before you go to bed can disturb you from falling asleep. The blue light from your phone interrupts your brain’s sleep cycle and keeps you awake at night. 

Your brain gets confused by this light and believes that it is daytime which reduces the release of melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep. 

Lack of melatonin can be one of the reasons you are not able to sleep at night and it can result in restless nights and exhaustion during the day.

Pro Tip: Give yourself at least an hour before bed to avoid using your phone or any other electronic device. As an alternative, choose something to help your brain make it believe that it’s time to go to sleep like reading a book, having a warm bath, or meditation. 

36 tips for first night banner

2. Irregular Bed-Time

This means that irregular sleep-wake pattern poses a great threat to one’s sleep and lifestyle. It is essential to take time for sleep, but when an individual works at night or does a day shift, it is difficult to stick to the sleep schedule.

This means that when one has a poor schedule of bedtime, the body is not able to adapt to new ones thus resulting in cases of sleeplessness and lack of sleep.

Your internal body clock becomes confused by the frequent changes in sleep schedules which make it difficult to go to sleep, and it results in not getting enough sleep even if you sleep for 6-8 hours.

Pro Tip: Even on your days off try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. Make sure your room is cool, quiet, and dark if you work in rotating shifts for good sleep. To sleep during the day use blackout curtains as needed.

3. Depression Can Also Affect The Sleep Cycle

Depression

Night insomnia may also be as a result of depression. Abnormalities of sleep are relatively common for individuals with depression. 

You can consult your doctor and learn How To Overcome Depression for better sleep because depressed individuals even if they get more hours of sleep may wake up tired and depressed the next morning. Moreover, a depressed person may wake up at a preferred time but may have trouble going back to sleep.

Pro Tip: Visiting a doctor, psychologist, or therapist for help can also help you sleep better and your emotional well-being.

4. Heavy Meals Before Bed

Well if you wonder What is the reason I can not sleep at night? Then, your sleep quality can be impacted by what you eat. Foods high in spice can cause heartburn which can interfere with your sleep. 

Large and heavy meals may cause discomfort and an excessive feeling of fullness which can lead to not having peaceful sleep at night and can also be the reason why you can’t sleep at night. 

Having tea, coffee or any other drinks that have caffeine can impact your sleep schedule. You can stay awake for a long period even if you have your coffee or tea in the morning because it has caffeine and it may still have an impact on your nighttime sleep. 

Hence it is advisable to eat light meals, stay away from spicy food, and limit alcohol and caffeine especially right before bed to improve your quality of sleep. 

Pro-tip: Have a light dinner at least a few hours before going to bed. To prevent frequently waking up to use the washroom, limit the amount of fluids you consume before bed. 

5. It’s Not Dark Enough In Your Room

Not Dark Enough In Your Room

What is the reason I can not sleep at night? Not having enough darkness in the room could be the reason. It is advisable to sleep in a dark room so that your brain knows that it is nighttime.

If you sleep while keeping your lights on then your brain is confused about whether it is daytime or night time and it can be impacted by any light, particularly from TVs and electronic devices. 

Pro Tip: Use black-out curtains or eye mast to completely block the light while you sleep. 

6. Observing The Time

If you are thinking about How I can solve night sleep problems? Then, stop looking at the time when you wake up from your sleep. Checking the time all the time can cause anxiety and it becomes more difficult to fall back asleep as a result of this sleep disturbance.

Instead, turn your clock away from you or cover it so you can’t see the time. This assists you to focus on how to fall asleep again.

Pro Tip: It is recommended to take a deep breath before going to sleep or practice meditation to sleep better.

Banner 3 700 x 248

7. Having Protein Before Sleeping

What are some of the measures I can take about my night sleep issues? It is advisable to reduce the amount of protein consumed in the late hours of the night. The energy essential for the digestion of protein keeps your digestive tracts active at night time when they should be relaxing. 

Which can affect getting good sleep at night and waking up to a new day full of energy may be affected. 

Instead opt for a light snack that is heavy in carbohydrates as these are easier for the body to digest and won’t put much load on your digestive system.

Pro-tip: You can select any light snack before bed or you can even have some fruits or smoothies before bed but just don’t have food high in protein. 

8. Smoking Right Before Bed

Smoking Right Before Bed

Worried about Why am I so sleepy but can’t fall asleep at night? Then, avoid smoking just before bed. Despite its calming feeling, smoking right before bed can disturb your sleep because of nicotine. 

It can cause repeated night-time awakenings much like coffee does. Therefore smoking just before going to bed is something one needs to let go of as it is one of the reasons why you can’t sleep at night think about the option of completely stopping it to lead a healthier lifestyle and have proper sleep.

Pro-tip: If you find it hard to quit smoking at night consider other relaxing activities that can help you instead of smoking, this may include deep breathing exercises, meditation, warm baths among others, and sipping herbal teas.

9. Sleeping Hungry At Night

Why am I so sleepy but can’t fall asleep at night? Then, stop going to bed hungry. It’s challenging to get a good night’s sleep when your stomach is empty. 

This may keep you awake all night long which will make it hard for you to get enough sleep. Also, going to bed with a feeling of slight hunger may increase your feeling of hunger when you wake up in between your sleep which might lead to overeating.

It is important to reach a balance if you are hungry before sleeping since it may affect your sleep at night.

Pro-tip: Opt for a light healthful snack like a piece of fruit or a small bowl of cereal with milk before bed but don’t sleep hungry. 

10. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations cause sleep disorders in women particularly before and during their periods and this could be the reason why you can’t sleep at night.  Hormone fluctuations can cause symptoms such as a rise in body temperature, anxiety or depression, cramps, and other aches.

These signs and symptoms can interfere with sleep cycles and make it more difficult to get a good night’s sleep. Additionally, the Importance of sleep in sexual performance is another aspect to consider when not having a proper night’s sleep because it can negatively affect your sleep cycle.

Particularly during these periods taking some time to relax before bed can help in getting your body and mind ready for sleep.

Pro Tip: Use relaxation things like a child’s pose, deep breathing, or a warm bath to assist and promote better sleep.

11. An Old Or Uncomfortable Bed

It is advisable to not use an old or uncomfortable bed because it is associated with discomfort and lack of sleep.

Well, it can indeed be very hard to have a good rest at night if the mattress one is using is old or causes relatively unbearable pain.

Mattresses lose their comfort and support over time which can result in not having peaceful sleep at night.

It may not seem evident but an old mattress can have dust, mites, dead skin, and body oils that make it uncomfortable to sleep on. 

It may also affect the quality of your sleep though you might not even be aware of that. If you have used an old mattress or are uncomfortable, the best thing you can do is change it to allow good sleep.

Pro-tip: Keep the quality of your mattress intact so that you can improve your sleeping cycles and overall well-being to get one that fits your body and your level of comfort.

12. Working Out Before Bedtime

Working Out Before Bedtime

The quality of sleep is affected by the performance of heavy exercises at night or heavy workouts before going to bed.

Intense forms of exercise can elevate the body and the heart rate and the elevated rates make it hard to calm oneself and go to sleep. Additionally, you may wonder Is Naked Sleeping Good For Your Sexual Health or overall health? Then yes sleeping naked can be beneficial for you to have a good night’s sleep and it can result in having good sex.

According to the specialists, it is recommended to complete the exercise at least four hours before the time one is going to sleep. This assists your body to get into a relaxing mode that leads to sleep.

Pro Tip: To ensure that your body is prepared to sleep immediately one should engage in light exercises such as yoga or stretching especially at night.

13. Involving In Activities Before Bed

Activities Before Bed

Do not engage in mentally tiring activities rather engage in casual talks, video games, or watching some television drama.

Bright screens and constant activity influence the hormone that is supposed to regulate sleep, the melatonin hormone, and not getting enough sleep can disrupt many daily routines and functions, including your sex life.

Many people wonder How Can Sleep Affect Your Sex Life? But yes it is true it does affect your sex life by decreasing the sex drive, or lower energy levels and increasing stress all this can affect the sex life.

One should avoid eating heavy meals at night and instead engage in activities like reading or listening to calm music for better sleep.

Pro Tip: As a result, to teach the body the signal that it is time to sleep it is useful to prepare a bedtime routine that consists of calming activities.

14. Health Issues

If you are worried about How do you fix sleepless nights? Then fixing your sleep pattern and schedule is the one for good health.  Sleep patterns can be disturbed by health issues like restless legs syndrome or chronic pain. 

This is referred to as restless leg syndrome; experiencing it makes it difficult for one to relax while going through such feelings in the legs.

These conditions, however, can be managed through medicinal means and or modification of one’s lifestyle to improve one’s sleep quality.

Pro Tip: Sleep disorders professionals should be consulted for treatment because of the following.

image 3

15. Heavy Medications

Want to know How do you fix sleepless nights? Then, certain drugs can have an impact on how well you sleep including those for depression, allergies, and high blood pressure. 

It can be expected that some medicines could either cause the feeling of fatigue or insomnia. You also need to inform your doctor if you experience any disturbances with sleep because they may be able to adjust the timing or the dosage of the medication given to interfere least with sleep.

Pro Tip: Stick to what the doctor has told you and inform them if you are having difficulties sleeping.

Conclusion

Staying awake at night, and being a sleepless person is irritating and has some implications for the overall health of the individual. Below are some of the causes that may make you experience a problem with your sleep especially falling asleep. 

Your sleep can be interrupted when you use your phone before sleeping or when you have special conditions such as depression or apnea.

However, there are ways to fight your body clock; this is if you smoke, take bulky meals, especially in the evening, or take caffeine or alcohol to help you sleep and stay asleep. 

Make sure that your bedroom is pitch black, free of noise, and cool. If the existing mattress is worn out or unreasonably uncomfortable, then it is advisable to get a replacement. 

One should not consume huge meals in the evening before going to bed. If you think that sleep difficulties might be linked to medication or an underlying medical condition, phone your doctor. If medications, lifestyle changes, or doing anything aren’t effective then you should try sleep therapy as it can be highly beneficial for insomnia. 

Frequently Asked Question

1. What is the cause I can no longer sleep at night?

 The following are some of the causes of sleep difficulties; the use of your phone before going to bed, different sleeping schedules, or even a condition like depression. 

These are some of the factors that disrupt the sleep-inducing signals in the body hence making it difficult to sleep. 

2. About my sleep problems should I go see a doctor? 

 Indeed, if you often find it hard to go to sleep, it’s best to consult a doctor. It can decide whether your problems are related to health and what can be done to correct your sleeping habits. 

3. Can my diet affect my sleep cycle?

 Indeed, the foods and beverages that you take influence the quality of your sleep. Eating large meals and taking caffeinated beverages before night affects a person’s ability to sleep. Try avoiding these foods and beverages before going to sleep to have a better night’s sleep. 

4. What is the effect of stress on my quality of sleep?

High-stress levels may keep your mind awake. Calm your mind before sleeping as it affects the quality of your sleeping; you can repeat different breathing techniques before going to bed. These can assist you in relaxing and it becomes easier for you to go to sleep. 

5. What should I do if I am going through the night insomnia?

It is found that one should try to get to bed at the same time every night as this would help in increasing the sleep that one gets. It is also recommended that one should avoid using any electronic devices before an hour before the time that they are expected to sleep. 

Hence, develop routines such as reading or taking a bath before going to bed, to calm you down before sleep. To improve one factor of sleep make sure your bedroom is cold, quiet, and dark for it will help to improve the aspect of your sleep that needs upgrading.

People Also Read:

How To Fix Your Sleep Schedule

Tips For Good Sleep

How Can Sleep Affect Your Sex Life?

Best Ways to Improve Your Sleep Cycle

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Posts

View All