Sleep is linked to health in numerous ways, and the focus is typically placed on how lack of sleep causes new issues. The reverse is also relevant, as physical health factors play a huge part in the quality of your sleep. Leaving physical health and sleep disruptions unaddressed can create a cascade of challenges, so getting to the root of the issue early is vital for longevity. Consider the following ways that your physical health may affect your essential sleep schedule over time.
1. Medication Side Effects
The introduction of countless medications for difficult medical conditions has the potential to increase both the quality and quantity of life. Relief over receiving a promising prescription can distract patients from the possibility of major side effects. Sleep disruption is a relatively common side effect and should be taken seriously, as a lack of sleep can cause additional health problems. Think about non-pharmacological ways to address health issues if your sleep is negatively impacted. Such considerations can include researching how to shrink ovarian cysts naturally or using nutritional counseling to regulate some chronic conditions.
2. Chronic Pain
Conditions such as arthritis, autoimmune illnesses, neuromuscular diseases, and connective tissue disorders can cause chronic pain. Growth spurts in tall teenagers can spark an extended period of back pain, too. Chronic pain can make sleep illusive for sufferers and common medications are not safe for long-term administration. A combination of physical therapy and integrative medicine can help patients find rest. Relief from chronic pain is often a long-term, and multi-pronged effort.
3. Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome can make the prospect of laying down to wait for sleep a daunting idea. People with this chronic condition feel an almost irrepressible need to move their legs, which often exacerbates in the evening. This cyclical increase in symptoms coincides with typical bedtimes. The best way to address this cause of sleep disruption is to work with a trusted doctor to balance lifestyle changes and medical interventions. Patients with restless leg syndrome should check their iron levels, as this is a common deficiency.
4. Headaches
Painful headaches vary in duration, causation, and sensation. People who experience the worst headache of their life should seek medical attention rather than waiting it out, as a sharp change in this symptom can be a sign of serious neurological issues. Those affected by migraines and other chronic headaches should work with an expert to identify triggers and determine appropriate rescue medications for significant flares. Nausea aids can help headache patients to treat secondary symptoms and achieve sleep.
5. Depression and Anxiety
Mental health conditions can have significant physiological components. Depression and anxiety can cause major sleep disruptions due to issues like irregular fight or flight states. People with chronic anxiety may not reach the crucial REM state while sleeping and operate from a baseline of insufficient rest. Appropriate individualized treatments for depression and anxiety can help people sleep better and support their ability to recover from tough chapters.
6. Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that prevents people from experiencing restorative sleep. People with this condition frequently stop breathing while they slumber and can wake up gasping for air. Sleep apnea can prevent people from reaching the REM stage of the sleep cycle and it can exacerbate cardiac health problems. The condition can be addressed through breathing aids, like c-pap machines and medical implants. Underlying factors like obesity can raise the risk of developing sleep apnea and experiencing poor sleep.
7. Dehydration
The thought of drinking too much water before bed and needing to run to the bathroom in the night can cause people to go to sleep in a state of dehydration. This is an overcorrection that has the potential to disrupt the circadian rhythm. The human body needs to be properly hydrated to regulate amino acid levels that are involved in melatonin production. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help you to sleep through the night.
8. Abnormal Blood Sugar
High and low blood sugar levels can impact sleep significantly. Low blood sugar can cause drowsiness at any time of day, and sleep that results from a blood sugar crash is typically not restorative. High blood sugar can make it difficult to fall asleep. This is part of the reason why eating within an hour of going to sleep at night is discouraged. People should seek medical help if they are having serious blood sugar dysregulation symptoms, as undiagnosed diabetes can be dangerous.
9. Malnutrition
Malnutrition can happen at any age and any size. People who experience sleep difficulties may have vitamin deficiencies in their diets. Malabsorption can also cause deficiencies and impact sleep. Ask your doctor about running a panel of blood tests during your annual physical. You may be able to add nutritional supplements or incorporate more whole foods into your diet.
10. Over Caffeination
That extra cup of mid-afternoon coffee can still impact your ability to fall asleep several hours later. Caffeine is a stimulant that stays in your system for hours after consumption. It is found in coffee, black tea, green tea, sodas, energy drinks, and chocolate. Try to moderate your caffeine intake in the morning and choose non-caffeinated alternatives in the afternoon or evening.
11. Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can make some people feel drowsy when they overconsume, but it ultimately causes sleep cycle disruptions. Overconsumption of alcohol that results in drunkenness and dehydration should be avoided.
12. Excessive Light Exposure
Overexposure to bright artificial lights leads to disrupted natural melatonin production. Exposure is commonly due to the use of electronic devices like phones, tablets, computers, and televisions. Set your devices to dim on a fixed schedule each evening and limit exposure entirely for the last hour or two before bed.
13. Inactivity
Physical inactivity and deconditioning can interrupt the body’s natural rest and recovery cycle. Deconditioning can also worsen chronic pain that prevents sleep.
14. Aging
The natural aging process can cause changes in sleep patterns. People over the age of 65 report sleep problems at a rate of about 50% and the exact cause is unclear. The rate of taking medication that can cause sleep issues also increases with age, as does stress and bladder difficulties. Sleep changes that accompany aging can be addressed as part of an individual’s medical care.
15. Genetics
Some sleep differences are linked to genetic abnormalities. Narcolepsy, for example, has been found to have a genetic component. Families that experience similar sleep challenges that impact their wellness may want to talk to their physician about genetic testing.
The physical causes of sleep disruptions can often be addressed through lifestyle changes and medical assistance. You can take the wheel and steer your health in a better direction by prioritizing sleep.
Step 1 to getting your sleep back where it needs to be, call Alaska Sleep Clinic today. Improve your sleep. Improve your life.
