If you find yourself having trouble falling sleep, tossing and turning all night or taking excess naps during the day, you are not alone. The pandemic has affected the sleep schedules of millions. Understanding what is causing your sleep issues during this difficult time is the first step toward treatment.
Insomnia from Stress
Michael Perlis, director of the behavioral sleep medicine program at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine puts it best: “The mother of insomnia is stress.” Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which you have trouble falling or staying asleep.
When you are falling asleep, your body moves into a slower state, shifting from being away to relaxed. Elevated stress can make this transition more difficult as your heart beats faster and your body is more alert.
The best way to solve this problem is to identify what is causing your increased stress and anxiety. Try caring for your body by eating well, avoiding excess alcohol and taking a break from the daily news. Instead, take some time at night to wind down and participate in activities that make you happy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia may also be helpful if you have trouble sleeping for more than a month. This program helps you identify the cause of your insomnia and adopt behaviors to change them.
Routine Changes
Without a grueling commute to work or school, many are finding they go to bed later and sleep in longer. Some are even taking advantage of their excess downtime to nap throughout the day.
While this may be helpful for those who were struggling to get seven hours before the pandemic, for most this excess sleep can be problematic, as getting too much sleep is almost as bad as getting too little.
The solution is to get back on a schedule. Experts report getting to bed and waking up around the same time every day is key. In addition, avoid eating a large meal and drinking caffeine or alcohol before bedtime. To learn more about how to improve your sleep issues or to schedule an appointment with a sleep expert, contact the ENT of Athens today.