Insomnia, the inability to get to sleep or sleep well at night, can be caused by stress, jet lag, a health condition, the medications you take, or even the amount of coffee you drink. Insomnia can also be caused by other sleep disorders or mood disorders such as anxiety and depression.
So why does it happen? According to sleep-medicine specialist Philip Gehrman, an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania, it's because something in your sleep environment has signaled to your brain that getting into bed should “arouse” you rather than send you to sleep.
Engage in Calming Activities prior to bed such as taking a bath or meditation. Consider relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. Avoid looking at electronic devices that give off bright light at least 1 hour prior to bed. This can make it harder to fall asleep.
There may be a medical cause to your sleep problems, such as physical pain, heartburn, thyroid disease, or a mental health issue such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. Older adults with dementia often experience fragmented sleep, while recent cases of long-haul COVID have also been linked to poor sleep.
Hypersomnia, insomnia, sleep apnea, anxiety or depression, a medical condition, pregnancy, or poor sleep hygiene could also be to blame. Use the RISE app to find out how much sleep you need and get personalized recommendations to help you get it. 80% of RISE users feel more energy within five days.
If you are not getting enough sleep, your body will eventually make you sleep. How long it takes you to fall asleep (sleep latency) is affected by how much your body needs to sleep. Normally, it only takes one or two days to recover from the short-term problems caused by acute sleep deprivation.
Beginning around puberty, people with ADHD are more likely to experience shorter sleep time, problems falling asleep and staying asleep, and a heightened risk of developing a sleep disorder. Nightmares are also common in children with ADHD. View Source , especially those with insomnia.
Turn down your stress levels
Stress is also why you want to sleep but your brain won't stop talking to itself. That's because when the mind is under pressure, it releases a hormone called cortisol, which is also what the body uses to wake you up in the morning.
Insomnia is rarely an isolated medical or mental illness but rather a symptom of another illness to be investigated by a person and their medical doctors. In other people, insomnia can be a result of a person's lifestyle or work schedule.
Changing your sleep habits and addressing any issues that may be associated with insomnia, such as stress, medical conditions or medications, can restore restful sleep for many people.
Close your mouth and quietly inhale through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale through your mouth, making a whoosh sound for a count of eight. Repeat the process three more times for a total of four breath cycles.
So no, having your eyes closed in bed does not count as sleep, but it's not like it's not beneficial either.
The Bottom Line on the Navy SEAL Power Nap
A power nap (the Navy SEAL version with your legs elevated, or a more typical lying-down-flat version) can definitely be beneficial if you find yourself drowsy during the day, but don't use it as a substitute for getting the nighttime sleep you need on a regular basis.
But is taking a quick rest - closing your eyes, putting your feet up and clearing your mind for a couple of minutes - as beneficial as getting some sleep? The concise answer is 'no'. There are numerous claims relating to the benefits of rest to mind and body. However, nothing compares to the benefit of sleep.
In December 1963/January 1964, 17-year-old Gardner stayed awake for 11 days and 24 minutes (264.4 hours), breaking the previous record of 260 hours held by Tom Rounds.
Causes of tiredness and fatigue
an unhealthy lifestyle (such as having an unhealthy diet and not getting much exercise) stress, depression and dealing with life challenges, such as bereavement or looking after a new baby. hormonal changes (such as during puberty, pregnancy or the menopause)
If you or a loved one feel sleepy or fatigued, despite having 7-8 hours of sleep, it could indicate poor sleep quality or be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. If you have questions or concerns about your sleep health, please speak with your primary care provider.
You may feel sleepy after a full night's sleep due to a medical condition. Medical conditions that can make you tired, or make it hard to meet your sleep need, include: Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and restless leg syndrome. Iron deficiency anemia.