Symptom 2: Waking Up Frequently During the Night
Just when one thinks they’ve conquered the challenge of falling asleep, another hurdle emerges: staying asleep. For some, the night becomes a series of interrupted sleep sessions. They may drift off, only to be rudely awakened just a couple of hours in. This fragmented sleep robs them of the chance to cycle through the essential stages of deep sleep, leaving them feeling drained in the morning.
Some interruptions are external. Maybe it’s the call of nature, urging a bathroom trip. Or perhaps it’s the jarring honk of a late-night truck. For those living in urban areas, the sounds of the city — sirens, trains, or chatty night owls — can all contribute to these unwanted awakenings.
Beyond external sounds, internal bodily processes can also disrupt sleep. For some, it’s a bout of acid reflux. For others, it might be the symptoms of sleep apnea, where they momentarily stop breathing, waking up in a panic. Conditions like these not only break their sleep but also introduce a host of other health concerns.
Sometimes, it’s the mind that refuses to stay quiet. A sudden realization, an anxiety about a missed deadline, or even a particularly vivid dream can jolt someone awake. Even if they manage to return to sleep, the quality is often compromised, leading to a sense of fatigue upon waking.
Constant awakenings disturb the natural progression of sleep stages. Sleep has a structure, a rhythm that guides the body from light slumber to deep restorative stages and into the dream-filled realm of REM sleep. Regular interruptions prevent one from reaching, or maintaining, those crucial deep stages, leaving them feeling unrested despite spending ample time in bed. (2)
