Poor sleep quality refers to sleep that is insufficient or disrupted in some way, preventing us from getting the restorative rest we need. Some signs of poor sleep quality include:
Difficulty falling asleep: Tossing and turning for more than 30 minutes before falling asleep is a red flag. This could stem from anxiety, underlying health issues, or poor sleep hygiene habits.
Waking up frequently: Waking up several times throughout the night interrupts the sleep stages we need to feel refreshed. Frequent awakenings prevent us from getting enough REM and deep sleep.
Waking up feeling unrested: Even after spending enough time asleep, poor sleep quality leaves people feeling drowsy, fatigued, and mentally foggy the next day without good reason.
Relying on naps: Feeling so fatigued that you regularly need to take naps during the day suggests your nighttime sleep is inadequate.
Difficulty concentrating: Inability to focus and short attention span can result from insufficient or disrupted sleep.
Irritability: Sleep deprivation often manifests itself as moodiness, impatience, and agitation.
Increased illness: Lack of quality sleep hampers immune function and can make people more prone to catching viruses and getting sick.
There are many potential root causes behind poor sleep quality, including:
The consequences of ongoing poor sleep are far-reaching, raising risks for:
To improve sleep quality, specialists at Harmonize Care recommend:
Prioritizing healthy sleep hygiene habits can truly enhance how restorative your nightly sleep is. Pay attention to how you feel upon waking and throughout the day. If you regularly observe signs of insufficient sleep listed here, take proactive steps to identify areas for improvement. Your mind and body will thank you.