Learn the External Factors That Impact Sleep

Many things can impact the amount and quality of sleep we get. Sleep scientists understand how different factors affect sleep and why they have the effects they do. People who have trouble sleeping often overlook simple elements that may be causing them to miss out on the rest they need, aside from the importance of visiting a sleep clinic in Lethbridge.

Our bodies have a fantastic system that regulates our sleep and wakefulness, but many internal and external factors can influence this balance.

For example, the changes in brain structure and function during development can gradually affect sleep patterns. And generally, we get less sleep, which is more fragmented as we age.

Other factors that impact sleep include stress and many medical conditions, especially those that cause chronic pain or discomfort. What we eat and drink, the medications we take, and the environment in which we sleep, can also significantly affect the quantity and quality of our sleep. In general, all of these factors tend to increase the number of awakenings and limit the depth of sleep.

Light

Exposure to light, especially at night, can significantly impact our sleep patterns. This is because light affects our internal clock, which regulates when we feel sleepy and awake.

In the past, we were only exposed to light during the day, when the sun was out. But now, with the invention of electric light, we’re also exposed to light at night. This can make it harder to fall asleep and disrupt our internal clock, making it difficult to sleep when we want to.

Medical Conditions

Conditions like chronic pain, discomfort from gastroesophageal reflux disease, and pre-menstrual syndrome can all affect the quality of our sleep. These conditions tend to make it harder to fall asleep, and when we do, our sleep is often lighter and includes more REM sleep and less deep sleep. This is because our bodies are programmed to respond to stressful and potentially dangerous situations by waking up. So even everyday stress can make it harder to get restful sleep.

Additionally, taking medications to combat these conditions like beta-blockers and antihistamines will keep your body up.

Odd Living and Working Hours

Light usually helps us to set our internal clocks to the right time. But when we’re suddenly exposed to different light patterns because we’ve crossed time zones or changed our work schedule, it can throw our whole system off.

For example, long-distance travellers often experience “jet lag” as their bodies adjust to the new day-night cycle.

People who cross time zones or work at night typically have two symptoms. One is insomnia when trying to sleep outside of their internal phase. The other is excessive sleepiness when their internal clock says they should be asleep. Night shift workers may doze off or fall asleep on the job.

This is a significant concern for individuals and society because it can be dangerous for people in professions like airline piloting, air traffic control, nursing, police work, and more. It could be time for them to seek help from a sleep clinic.

Conclusion: Visit a Sleep Clinic in Lethbridge

Are you suffering from any of the external factors mentioned above or something unknown? Visit Lethbridge Snoring & Sleep Apnea Clinic today! We’re a sleep clinic in Lethbridge passionate about helping you get better rest at night. Contact us today!