Researchers still do not know what makes someone a light sleeper or heavy sleeper. Genetics, an underlying sleep disorder, or aspects of the bedroom environment can all contribute. People who are light sleepers can wake up to small disturbances like a car passing by or a street lamp turning on.
Those who are more likely to wake up are often called light sleepers. Researchers haven't definitively pinned down why people respond differently to possible disturbances while sleeping, but probable causes might include: undiagnosed sleep disorders. lifestyle choices.
Genetics, lifestyle choices, and undiagnosed sleep disorders may all play a role. In addition, some studies suggest that differences in brain wave activity during sleep may also make someone a light or heavy sleeper.
Heavy sleepers may sleep a significantly shorter amount of time than light sleepers, but wake feeling better rested. This is because they spent enough time alternating through the deep sleep stages while the light sleeper did not.
A cool and dark sleeping environment: while you should feel free to get cozy underneath the blankets, keep the ambient temperature cool and as little light as possible. Keep a regular sleep schedule: aiming to get to bed at the same time every night is a boon for the rhythm that your body seeks when trying to sleep.
Light sleepers tend to spend less time in REM sleep, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety levels. In the long term, this can increase the risk for certain health conditions, such as dementia.
Taking naps or spending too much time in bed can weaken your sleep drive. You may lose some of your ability to sleep normally, and as a result, you may get less deep sleep. Substance use and medications. Caffeine, benzodiazepines , and opioid pain medications can all affect deep sleep.
Are deep sleepers smarter? Studies show that night owls and those who wake up later actually are smarter and more creative than their early rising counterparts. They also have higher IQs according to The Independent. Unfortunately, night owls have slightly lower academic scores than early risers (by about 8%).
Advantages of Heavy Sleepers
They do not wake up as easily and spend more time in a deeply restful state. As a result, they feel more rested and have more energy during the day.
What Causes Waking Up in the Middle of the Night? Most people wake up once or twice during the night. Reasons this might happen include drinking caffeine or alcohol late in the day, a poor sleep environment, a sleep disorder, or another health condition.
Being a light sleeper can be tough, especially if you're waking up tired all the time. But by treating any underlying health conditions, as well as making a few tweaks to your daily routine, you can turn yourself into a deep sleeper, and snooze through the night with the best of 'em.
Sleeping between 90 and 110 minutes gives your body time to complete one full sleep cycle and can minimize grogginess when you wake. But any sleep is better than not at all — even if it's a 20-minute nap.
Not only can magnesium help you get to sleep, but it plays a part in helping you achieve deep and restful sleep as well. In one study, older adults were given 500 mg of magnesium or a placebo. Overall, the magnesium group had better quality of sleep.
Insomnia, undiagnosed sleep disorders and chronic sleep deprivation can result in a lack of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which can have a serious impact on your quality of life — and your health.
Studies show that night owls and those who wake up later actually are smarter and more creative than their early rising counterparts. They also have higher IQs according to The Independent. Unfortunately, night owls have slightly lower academic scores than early risers (by about 8%).
Several of the most popular natural sleep aids include melatonin, GABA, tryptophan, 5-HTP, CBD and THC, valerian root and lavender.
Without question, magnesium glycinate is the best form of magnesium for sleep. Magnesium glycinate is a combination of magnesium and the non-essential sleep-inducing amino acid, glycine.
Most people find that aging causes them to have a harder time falling asleep. They wake up more often during the night and earlier in the morning. Total sleep time stays the same or is slightly decreased (6.5 to 7 hours per night). It may be harder to fall asleep and you may spend more total time in bed.
Go to bed and wake up at consistent times. Keep the room dark enough. Augelli suggests earplugs or white noise to reduce sound, and even different comforters, or different beds in the same room. (The Hays Code wins again.)
Ergonomic studies show that couples sleep better in a bigger bed. Before the trials only 15% said they would buy a larger than standard bed. Afterwards 50% said they would. (Ergonomic pilot study by the National Bed Federation, 1995.)
Some people need more sleep than others, and a new study has found that our personal sleep requirements may be down to our genes. So, you're not lazy after all — it's your DNA's fault.
The Impacts of Trauma on Sleep
Many people have difficulty falling asleep, wake up more often during the night, and have trouble falling back asleep after a traumatic event. Trauma can also affect sleep architecture10, which means that it can change how the body moves through sleep cycles and stages.