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Why people often wake up at the same time at night: scientists surprised with the answer

Bylim Olena

Why people often wake up at the same time at night: scientists surprised with the answer
Night light and clock in the bedroom. Source: Julien Bachelet/pexels.com

Waking up at the same time every night can be unpleasant and interfere with normal sleep. The causes of this phenomenon can vary, including external factors such as noise or light, health problems such as obstructive sleep apnea, or sleep disorders such as insomnia.

Noise and light are among the most common reasons for waking up at night. Noise from the street, TV, or cell phone can wake a person up, and light from an external source shining through a window can also disrupt sleep, according to the SleepFoundation.

Also read: Scientists answered what time to wake up to age more slowly

Sleep disorders can also be affected by health problems, such as obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops for a few seconds during sleep. This can lead to a person waking up feeling suffocated.

Other health problems that can cause waking up during the night include:

  • Pain
  • Heart and vascular disease
  • Diseases of the respiratory tract
  • Endocrine disorders
  • Neurological disorders
  • Aging
  • Sleep disorders

Experts advise that if you wake up every night, don't try to go back to sleep immediately. Instead, try to relax and distract yourself from thoughts that may be bothering you. You can listen to music, read a book, or just lie in a dark and quiet bedroom.

If you can't fall asleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed and do something that won't stimulate you too much. You can read a book, listen to relaxing music, or work on something light. When you feel sleepy, go back to bed and try to fall asleep.

If waking up frequently bothers you or affects your quality of life, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you determine the cause of your sleep problems and develop a treatment plan.

Tips for sleeping through the night

People whose sleep is disrupted by waking up during the night can try following healthy sleep tips to sleep better.

First of all, avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Increase daylight and reduce light sources at night.

Experts say that while nighttime waking is common and usually easy to fix, it can also be a sign of a bigger problem. If you feel that your sleep disturbances are affecting your quality of life, or if you are experiencing symptoms of other health problems, it may be helpful to consult a doctor to rule out an underlying condition.

We have already mentioned that sometimes it can be difficult to fall asleep due to worries and problems in personal or professional life, so people are tired and unproductive in the morning. We have prepared some practical tips to help you cope with this problem.

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