Poor sleep quality refers to sleep that is insufficient or disrupted, preventing restorative rest. Getting inadequate or low-quality sleep can have significant impacts on mental and physical health. Common signs of poor sleep quality include:
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Waking up frequently during the night
Waking up too early and being unable to fall back asleep
Feeling unrested upon waking, no matter how long you slept
Daytime fatigue, sleepiness, or inability to focus
What causes poor sleep quality?
There are many potential causes, including:
- Sleep disorders - Such as insomnia, sleep apnea, narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome
- Medications - Certain prescription drugs, OTC medications, stimulants
- Physical conditions - Chronic pain, gastrointestinal reflux, allergies
- Mental health issues - Depression, anxiety, PTSD
- Lifestyle factors - Inconsistent sleep routine, lack of exercise, consumption of alcohol, nicotine or caffeine too close to bedtime
How can I improve my sleep quality?
Some tips for improving sleep quality naturally include:
- Establish a regular sleep-wake schedule
- Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet
- Avoid screens and digital devices before bed
- Reduce intake of alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals close to bedtime
- Try relaxation techniques like light yoga, meditation or reading before bed
- Take a warm bath 1-2 hours before bedtime
For some, optimizing
hormone levels can also help achieve deeper, more restorative sleep.
Wellness Hormone Clinic specializes in natural
hormone therapy to help both men and women get to the root causes of health issues like poor sleep. I highly recommend speaking to one of their experts if you continue having unrefreshing sleep despite making lifestyle changes.
In conclusion, poor sleep quality prevents the body and brain from getting much-needed rest and restoration overnight. Pay attention to your sleep habits and patterns, and take steps like improving your sleep environment and establishing a calming pre-bed routine. Consider speaking to your doctor or a specialist like
Wellness Hormone Clinic if problems persist despite your best efforts. Achieving healthy, high-quality sleep is crucial for both short-term wellbeing and long-term health.