Tired of being tired? How to tell if you're breathing and sleeping properly at night

It’s never pleasant to deal with sleep apnoea, insomnia or even just a bad sleeping schedule. You may go to bed early but still wake up feeling tired, moody or maybe even with an unpleasant headache. It can also be quite a scary experience for your partner if it’s more than just a few mild symptoms, for instance snoring, tossing and turning or even the occasional gasp for air.

If you’re tired of being tired and want to improve your health, it’s time for you to start checking out whether or not you’re actually breathing and sleeping well at night. If not, then it may be time to start seeking medical assistance.

Lifestyle, Mental Health & Sleep

How stressed are you actually feeling during the day time? If you have a stressful work schedule, problems at home or even just feel like you have no time for yourself, then this may end up having an effect on your sleeping patterns.

Bad lifestyle choices and challenging mental health can result in you getting a very light sleep. Try not to argue or work before you go to bed. Instead, spend at least one hour away from your computer and just relaxing, perhaps with a good book or even with a quick vape of some CBD oil, such as those offered by CBD specialists VSAVI. This should help you relax before falling asleep.

Light Exposure

When it comes to how much light we actually need to concentrate and regulate our mood, as most people suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) understand, it also plays a big part in how much sleep we actually get. Light exposure helps regulate our sleep cycles. When it’s dark, your brain will naturally secrete more melatonin and make you feel sleepier.

Try to limit the amount of light you have in your room at night time and make sure to close the curtains. During the day, try and expose yourself to as much light as possible and ensure you go outside. Fresh air can make you feel tired, especially if you are active throughout the day. If you cannot go out during the day, you can try a light therapy box – in other words a light that can simulate sunshine. This is especially useful during the winter months.

Is it Sleep Apnoea?

If your partner has noticed that your breathing either stops or sounds obstructed when you sleep, then you may actually be suffering from Sleep Apnoea. This is when your breathing passages tighten up when you are asleep and so it may make you struggle for breath or gasp out.

Whilst this is nothing to worry about in mild cases, if you and your partner are unsettled by it, it’s essential that you reach out for medical assistance. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist sleep clinic where they will keep an eye on your heartbeat. If your case is severe then you may be provided with a CPAP machine to help regulate your oxygen and breathing levels throughout the night.