8 Unexpected Things That Can Ruin Our Sleep Cycle
Up to 30% of people suffer from chronic insomnia, and the number of those who use sleeping pills increases with age and education. You might wonder why you still don’t get enough sleep after setting up a bedtime ritual. The problem might lie in the smallest things that you haven’t even thought about.
1. Rings and other jewelry
Rings when worn at night because can disrupt blood flow to the fingers, which can result in finger deformities. Also these items can accumulate bacteria so it stays on the skin. As a result, such jewelry could even cause a reaction that may lead to blisters. This uncomfortable feeling can disturb your sleep.
2. Sleep tracking devices
Several studies show that some patients are complaining about sleep data collected by apps and devices. The researchers warned that sleep-tracking tech could provide inaccurate data and worsen insomnia by making people obsessed with achieving perfect slumber, a condition they called orthosomnia.
3. Alarm clock
Clock-watching during night can become a habit that chronically interferes with sleep. One of the studies showed that people who became overly attached to checking the clock constantly started waking up every night at the same time to monitor time. On the flip side, it’s also possible for clock-watching to emerge as a side effect to a larger, preexisting sleep issue.
It is also better to use natural light instead of an alarm clock while waking up in the morning. Sound-based alarm clocks shock us and we can experience sleep inertia — feeling groggy, strange and not at our best.
4. Thyroid problems
Those who have thyroid problems tend to suffer from sleep apnea (pauses in breathing). It can cause regular awakenings, so after a night’s sleep, you might feel fatigued instead of energized. Thyroid dysfunction often leads to the disruption of circadian rhythms as well.
5. Magnesium deficiency
Magnesium is an essential element that affects your ability to sleep. If your body lacks this nutrient, you might find it difficult to relax. Besides, muscle twitching or restless leg syndrome are also brought about by low magnesium levels. That’s why supplements are often used to treat insomniacs.
6. Plants
You have to be careful when putting plants in your bedroom. Some household plants can be toxic to humans. If you suffer from asthma, some plants might trigger the condition if you’re allergic to them. In addition, mold or other bacteria in the soil can cause harm and, as a result, worsen your sleep quality.
7. Restless leg syndrome
The syndrome is usually characterized by the urge to move your limbs due to the unpleasant sensations in your legs. You’re forced to wake up to stop crawling, tingling, or burning feelings in the legs. It varies in intensity and is more common in people in their fifties. The syndrome can be either the cause of disrupted sleep or a side effect of it.
8. Sleeping with the heater on
At night, our body temperature drops slightly to give the signal that it’s time to fall asleep. However, if there’s a heater on in the bedroom, your body might fail to recognize that it’s time for bed. What’s more, heaters produce a lot of carbon monoxide, which can be detrimental to our health in large quantities.
In your experience, are there any other things that can disrupt your sleep? How do you deal with them?