4 Reasons You’re Waking Up in the Middle of the Night

March 27, 2019

Quality sleep helps you feel refreshed, energetic, and mentally clear. But did you know it also helps prevent health conditions like depression and cancer? If you’re waking up frequently throughout the night, it’s possible that both your physical and mental health are at great risk.

Keep reading to find out about the four reasons you may be waking up at night. The specialists at our sleep clinic can work with you to identify the root cause of your sleeplessness and help you get a better night’s rest.

Reason #1: You Have Anxiety

Anxiety is characterized by symptoms including sweating, palpitations, fear, and insomnia—all of which can rouse you from sleep. Racing thoughts and excessive worry are other anxiety symptoms that may prevent you from falling back asleep. Anxiety can be treated using cognitive behavioral therapy or medications like benzodiazepines that help you fall and stay asleep.

Reason #2: You Always Need to Urinate

A strong urge to urinate in the middle of the night may be caused by too much liquid intake before bedtime, urinary tract infections, and diabetes. If you’re still waking up in the middle of the night to urinate despite drinking fewer liquids, make an appointment with your physician immediately. Your doctor may order urodynamic testing and screen for signs of diabetes to identify the root cause of your nighttime urination.

Reason #3: You Drink Alcohol

Alcohol may help you nod off and fall asleep, but can also cause you to suddenly wake up the moment it’s metabolized by your body. Alcohol also relaxes the airways in your throat to cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. If you find yourself waking up on nights you also drank alcohol, start reducing your alcohol intake or limit your drinking to earlier in the evening.

Reason #4: You Have Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea is a sleep disorder where your airway becomes blocked, and you stop breathing while sleeping. Sleep apnea causes loud snoring, nighttime sweating, and abrupt awakenings that leave you choking or gasping for air. If you think you may be suffering from this sleep disorder, a sleep specialist can use a sleep apnea test to diagnose your condition accurately.

At Healthcare Associates of Texas, we understand the importance of getting a good night’s sleep and how it connects to your overall health and well-being. Schedule an appointment today.

Resources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181172/
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003141.htm
https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/aa41.htm
https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/obstructive-sleep-apnea