You've heard time and time again that you need to get more sleep. This article isn't about that. Because even if you're laying down for 6-8 hours, you might not actually be getting that much sleep. Which means you're likely putting in a lot of effort without seeing much benefit.
Most conversations about good sleep tend to focus on the quantity of sleep and whether you get the recommended number of hours a night. This is a valid way of approaching the subject, however it can miss a huge component of great rest.
While the total time slept is important, sleep continuity (being able to sleep without interruptions), is also critical. It is important to notice the symptoms of interrupted sleep, as well as know what you can do to address the issue if you are experiencing it.
How to Know if Your Sleep is Interrupted
Unless you're waking up in the middle of the night, you probably don't know you're not getting continuous sleep.
But if you can relate to any of these, chances are excellent you're having problems sleeping through the entire night.
You:
- Get angry easily
- Have trouble coming up with solutions to basic problems
- Are stressed
- Make more mistakes
- Shake
- Ache
- Have problems remembering basic things
Yes, they're similar symptoms of not getting enough sleep—which makes complete sense. The major difference is your body is unable to finish the 4 sleep stages, never allowing your body or mind to fully recuperate.
So how does this happen?
Causes of Interrupted Sleep
Some of the causes are obvious: you can't sleep or keep waking up because you're stressed, are worried about something happening at work the following day, worried about your family, or you have sleep apnea.
But eating a snack late at night can be problematic (if you must eat, a snack like almonds is best), you exercised too late, or you drank alcohol.
A lot of people drink alcohol thinking it helps them go to sleep because it's a depressant (fact), but they don't realize it wakes them up throughout the night. Some of that depends on the amount (the more alcohol, the more trips to the bathroom) and it just flat out disrupts your sleep cycles.
How to Sleep Throughout the Night
First and foremost, make sure your sleep hygiene is in good shape. Sleep hygiene is a broad term which encompasses having a daily routine and bedroom environment (having blackout drapes, setting the temperature lower, and having a clean bedroom) that is conducive to great rest.
Also make sure your mattress fits your needs. At Milton Sleep, we have a variety of mattresses in various levels of firmness and softness that can complement your sleep position and ideal type of comfort. And if you're unsure which type you need, we have a 100 Night Comfort Guarantee to make sure you're sleeping in comfort.