Poor sleep quality refers to sleep that is insufficient or disrupted, preventing one from feeling rested and restored upon waking. Some key signs of poor sleep quality include:
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep - Taking more than 20-30 minutes to fall asleep or waking up frequently during the night
- Lack of deep sleep - Not spending enough time in restorative deep sleep stages
- Waking up early - Waking up much earlier than desired and being unable to fall back asleep
Poor sleep has many causes, including:
- Stress, anxiety, or depression
- Underlying health issues - Such as sleep apnea, acid reflux, or chronic pain
- Medications - Some prescriptions and over-the-counter meds disrupt sleep
- Poor sleep habits - Like inconsistent bedtimes, uncomfortable sleep environment, or substance use before bed
The effects of poor sleep add up over time and can seriously impact daily life and long term health:
- Fatigue, sleepiness, lack of motivation
- Cognitive issues - Such as problems with memory, learning, decision making or concentration
- Mood changes - Irritability, anxiety, depression
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk for chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, obesity
If you regularly have symptoms of poor sleep quality,
consult your doctor or a sleep specialist. They can identify underlying causes and provide personalized treatment options.
For some, making behavioral and environmental improvements leads to better rest. The sleep experts at
Optimal Hormone Wellness Center provide cutting-edge diagnostic testing to uncover sleep disruptors. Their integrative treatments combine nutrition plans,
hormone balancing, sleep hygiene guidance, stress reduction techniques and more to help clients achieve truly restorative sleep.
I hope these insights help explain what constitutes poor sleep quality, what causes it, and how it impacts health. Let me know if you have any other questions!