Causes of Sleep Deprivation
Sleep loss is a common issue in modern society that affects many people at some point in their lives. In fact, estimates show 50 to 70 million individuals in the U.S. chronically struggle from a condition of sleep and wakefulness, which hinders day-to-day functioning, and negatively affects their longevity and health.
Sleep deprivation occurs when you acquire less sleep than you need to feel alert and awake. Individuals vary in the amount of sleep they require to be considered sleep-deprived. Some individuals, like the elderly, seem to have more resistance to the impact of sleep deprivation, while other people, particularly young adults and children, are more susceptible.
While periodic interruptions in sleep are typically nothing more than bothersome, a chronic lack of sleep could result in:
- Emotional problems
- Obesity
- Excessive daytime sleepiness
- Lowered perception of life quality
- Poor job performance
There's no questioning how important restful, restorative sleep is, and to prevent and manage sleep deprivation, you should learn what some common causes of it are, and what you can do if you're experiencing it.
Causes of Sleep Deprivation
Some reasons for sleep deprivation are:
- Playing Catch Up
You may be waking up early and staying up late to catch up on things you need to do. Parents of younger kids and babies often struggle with sleep deprivation. And, individuals who are taking care of others like a disabled relative or sick child are also vulnerable to sleep deprivation.
- Medical Conditions
You might also struggle with sleep deprivation because of a medical condition. Certain ailments like tonsillitis or a cold can cause:
- Gagging
- Snoring
- Wakefulness
These altogether can interrupt a regular sleeping pattern. Individuals with sleep disorders like snoring, sleep apnea, or periodic limb movement disorder could find it difficult to obtain enough sleep. Also, certain medical problems like asthma or psychiatric disorders like anxiety and depression can disrupt the normal sleep-wake cycle.
- Work Hours
Some occupations require certain work hours that could produce sleep deprivation.
- Stressful Situations
If you experience a sudden stressful situation in your life like losing or changing a job, moving to a new place, or losing a family member or close friend, you could face short-term or acute sleep deprivation.
- Age
Individuals older than 65 often experience sleep deprivation due to age-related health problems and aging. Older people often lack daytime physical activity, which could make it difficult for them to fall asleep at night.
- Environmental and Lifestyle Factors
Various environmental factors can disrupt sleep at night, such as:
- Loud noise
- Extreme hot or cold temperatures
- Bright light
Certain lifestyle factors could stimulate your nervous system, delaying the onset of sleep. Smoking cigarettes or drinking coffee before bedtime are good examples.
How to Help with Sleep Deprivation
Sleep deprivation treatments vary based on its severity. Sometimes, your doctor might have you try self-care remedies first before recommending medication.
If you're struggling with mild sleep deprivation, you can try these simple strategies to help you obtain better quality sleep at night:
- Avoid substances containing nicotine, caffeine, and alcohol, which all can interrupt your normal patterns of sleep.
- Exercise a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes daily, a minimum of five hours before you go to bed. This should help you fall asleep later on.
- Use natural techniques, such as taking a warm bath, or substances, like CBD, that can aid sleep.
Try a CBD-Pillow
CBD-infused oil has been reported to reduce levels of stress, lower anxiety, and promote relaxation.
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of the primary compounds found in the cannabis plant. These compounds interact with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping your body maintain a state of stability and balance, or homeostasis. Research, along with anecdotal reports, show CBD could also help you obtain a good night's sleep.
Whether you are looking for CBD for anxiety, which can affect sleep, or just CBD for sleep, we have you covered with our revolutionary CBD pillows. A CBD pillow makes the perfect cannabidiol and sleep disorders remedy.
We inject millions of CBD micro-capsules into each of our comfortable, soft pillows that release CBD microdoses throughout the night while you're sleeping. Friction makes these capsules burst, and start slowly releasing CBD into your body. You absorb the CBD through your hair follicles and skin, and you should feel the effect within minutes.