Why can't I sleep? Reasons for trouble sleeping

There are some signs that you are having trouble sleeping:

• Difficulty concentrating

• Irritability

• Lack of energy

• Mood changes

• Slowed thinking

• Poor attention span

• Poor memory

• Trouble making decisions

‘I can't sleep' might mean that you are unable to fall asleep, or that you struggle to stay asleep. Factors that might contribute to trouble sleeping:

• Alcohol

• Anxiety

• Poor sleep habits (e.g. having an irregular sleep schedule)

• Sharing your bed

• Poor sleep environment

• Caffeine

• Stress

• Exercising within an hour of bedtime

• Having high amounts of fat or protein before bedtime or being hungry

• Medication

• Screen time right before bed

Sleep deprivation can have negative health effects. These consequences include:

• Anxiety

• Bipolar disorder

• Cardiovascular disease

• Depression

• High blood pressure

• Hormone imbalances

• Obesity

• Type 2 diabetes

• Weakened immune system

Lack of sleep is also connected to an overall decrease in quality of life and a greater risk of death.

What works for you might not work for someone else. Some strategies to improve your sleep include:

• Limit alcohol use

• Give your pets their own beds, or encourage your snoring partner to sleep on their side

• Avoid being too hot or cold

• Turn off devices > an hour before bedtime

• Keep caffeine consumption low

• Try meditation if you are struggling with stress

• Don't do your workout within an hour of bed

• Have a small snack before sleeping