What is poor sleep quality?
Poor sleep quality refers to sleep that is insufficient or disrupted, preventing us from getting the restorative rest we need. As per the National Sleep Foundation, signs of poor sleep quality include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Frequent nighttime awakenings
- Feeling unrested upon waking up
Causes
There are various potential causes of poor sleep quality:
- Sleep disorders - Conditions like insomnia, sleep apnea, and restless leg syndrome can severely impact sleep quality.
- Medications - Certain prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and stimulants like caffeine can interfere with sleep cycles.
- Health issues - Underlying medical conditions such as chronic pain, asthma, heartburn, or hyperthyroidism may disrupt sleep.
- Stress - High stress levels elevate cortisol, which makes it harder to fall and stay asleep.
- Poor sleep habits - Irregular sleep schedules, excessive blue light exposure before bedtime, uncomfortable sleep environment, and consumption of large meals late at night can all degrade sleep quality.
Consequences
Chronic poor sleep takes a major toll both physically and mentally:
- Daytime fatigue and sleepiness
- Cognitive problems like poor concentration and memory
- Increased disease risk - Poor sleep is linked to obesity, diabetes, heart disease and mental health issues.
- Accidents and errors
- Weakened immune system
- Irritability and mood changes
So in summary, poor sleep quality prevents us from entering and sustaining the deep, restorative stages of sleep our bodies require. Both lifestyle and medical factors can trigger poor quality sleep, which then greatly impacts our overall health and daily functioning.
At Hormone Harmony Clinic, our sleep health experts can identify the root causes behind your sleep troubles and craft a customized treatment plan just for you. Reach out today to learn more about our individualized programs, combining the latest sleep technology with proven natural hormone therapies to help you achieve restful, rejuvenating sleep.