Some people have a problem frequently waking up at 04:00 am for no reason at all, with scientists still wondering and theorizing how it happens and why.
But The Sleep Charity deputy CEO Lisa Artis said her group was partnered with Simba Mattresses to debunk some common myths about sleep, as reported by Lad Bible.
Artis explained that people start to experience less deep sleep after around four to five hours. For example, if a person goes to bed at around 11:00 pm, which is the usual time people go to bed, he or she might have left a deep sleep cycle and might start to wake up.
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Other Causes Why People Suddenly Wake Up
Aside from the deep sleep cycle, Artis factored in several other factors. One of them is a person's hormones and internal clock, known to some as circadian rhythm.
"Sleep is regulated by the levels of two hormones: melatonin and cortisol, which follow a regular 24-hour pattern," she added.
Melatonin is the hormone helping people get sleepy while cortisol helps them get up and stay awake. By keeping both hormones in check, as well as having a proper diet, people could be able to get a good night's sleep.
It is advisable for people to relax before bed by putting down their screens to decrease the production of melatonin through blue light.
Age could also be a factor as sleep patterns change with age. Hormonal changes also affect sleep, such as menopause.
Another factor why people cannot sleep properly is anxiety, with Artis recommending getting rid of any lingering worries or concerns before bed through journaling or mindfulness and meditation exercises before bed.
Food for Sleep
Artis also advised people to avoid too much sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and large, heavy meals. She also suggested opting for protein-packed and magnesium-rich midnight snacks as alternatives to carb or sweet-based snacks to keep them fuller longer and support them in their sleep cycle.
Examples of protein-packed and magnesium-rich midnight snacks include hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, pumpkin seeds, spinach, dark chocolate, cashews, chicken thighs, or turkey.
Artis also recommends not having too much fluid intake so as to avoid them going up at night to urinate.
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