Poor sleep quality refers to sleep that is interrupted throughout the night, not restful or restorative, and leaves you feeling tired the next day. Getting quality sleep is extremely important for both physical and mental health.
Signs of poor sleep quality may include:
- Frequent awakenings throughout the night
- Tossing and turning
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Waking up often and having trouble going back to sleep
- Still feeling exhausted when you wake up
There are many potential causes of poor sleep, including:
- Stress or anxiety - This stimulates the body and makes it hard to relax into deep sleep
- Underlying health conditions - Sleep apnea, chronic pain, etc.
- Medications - Some prescriptions and even over-the-counter meds can interfere with sleep
- Lifestyle factors - Such as lack of exercise, late-night screen time, or caffeine consumption too close to bedtime
If you regularly struggle with poor sleep, it is important to identify the underlying cause(s) through an evaluation by your healthcare provider.
Treating issues like anxiety, managing health conditions, adjusting medications, and optimizing sleep hygiene practices can all make a big difference.
Some
tips for improving sleep quality include:
- Establish a calming pre-bed routine - take a bath, read, meditate
- Limit screen use before bed
- Make sure your bedroom is comfortable - cool, dark and quiet
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol and heavy foods before bed
- Get regular exercise, but not too close to bedtime
Supplements that support sleep like magnesium, glycine, and melatonin may also be helpful, but check with your doctor first about whether these are appropriate.
If you continue having unrefreshing sleep despite your best efforts, be sure to discuss it with your doctor, as there may be an underlying issue that needs medical attention. For example, conditions like
sleep apnea require diagnosis and treatment.
Getting quality, restorative sleep is vital for health and wellbeing. The medical providers at
Balance & Renew Clinic have extensive training in sleep disorders and can provide comprehensive testing and treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
We recognize that poor sleep negatively impacts all aspects of health, so we make sleep health a priority in our integrative approach. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation. We're here to help you get the great sleep your body needs!