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Hey Doctor Since Tuesday This Week So About 5 Days
Question: Hey doctor since Tuesday this week so about 5 days now I have been waking up at 5am/6am and then not being able to go back to sleep. I have been going to bed around 12am/1am those nights as well so I’m only getting 5-6 hours sleep. It’s making me really irritable, agitated and fatigued since I usually have 8-9 hours sleep. Is there any reason why this could be happening do you think? The only thing I can think of is that my girlfriend went on a holiday overseas with her friends and I’m usually used to sleeping with her at her house every second night of the week sometimes more could the difference be causing it? She also says sometimes I would lightly snore but only for small period of time and not that often if that means anything? Usually my sleeping is pretty good though I’d sleep right through the 8-9 hours.
Brief Answer:
Sleep problems
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I'm sorry you have not been getting a full night sleep. There are many causes for sleep changes but in a young person such as yourself, the most common causes are around mental health - stress, depression, anxiety. Your thoughts on that it could be related to your girlfriend being away and you not used to this change are a very plausible reason for your sleep disturbances.
To improve your sleep, it is recommended to start with addressing "sleep hygiene" which is the routine you have for bed. Try to keep within about 20 minutes of the same bedtime. Prior to going to bed, no electronics for several hours before hand, to decrease the effects of blue electronic light, flashing light, and other things that can have neurological effects. That means no cell phone or computer. Reading a book or other quiet low stress activity is advisable. Avoid eating much for 3 hours before bed. A light snack is ok but no large amount of food. Watch your caffeine intake (tea, coffee, chocolate) starting in the afternoon. Make sure your bedroom is quiet and not too warm, and no lights, including from your clock which you can cover with a cloth.
If there is other stress going on in your life (difficulties at work or school, or with the family) try to address these during the day to help give you rest at night.
Try to stick to a comfortable routine and with a little time, your sleep should improve.
If you are otherwise healthy, no ongoing medications, if the things I mentioned above aren't helping you can try an over the counter sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine 25-50 mg) before going to bed. These can help with sleep but some people find that it makes them feel dried out or sedated for awhile after they get up.
I hope these suggestions help. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Sleep problems
Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
I'm sorry you have not been getting a full night sleep. There are many causes for sleep changes but in a young person such as yourself, the most common causes are around mental health - stress, depression, anxiety. Your thoughts on that it could be related to your girlfriend being away and you not used to this change are a very plausible reason for your sleep disturbances.
To improve your sleep, it is recommended to start with addressing "sleep hygiene" which is the routine you have for bed. Try to keep within about 20 minutes of the same bedtime. Prior to going to bed, no electronics for several hours before hand, to decrease the effects of blue electronic light, flashing light, and other things that can have neurological effects. That means no cell phone or computer. Reading a book or other quiet low stress activity is advisable. Avoid eating much for 3 hours before bed. A light snack is ok but no large amount of food. Watch your caffeine intake (tea, coffee, chocolate) starting in the afternoon. Make sure your bedroom is quiet and not too warm, and no lights, including from your clock which you can cover with a cloth.
If there is other stress going on in your life (difficulties at work or school, or with the family) try to address these during the day to help give you rest at night.
Try to stick to a comfortable routine and with a little time, your sleep should improve.
If you are otherwise healthy, no ongoing medications, if the things I mentioned above aren't helping you can try an over the counter sedating antihistamine (diphenhydramine 25-50 mg) before going to bed. These can help with sleep but some people find that it makes them feel dried out or sedated for awhile after they get up.
I hope these suggestions help. Please let me know if I can provide further information or clarification.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
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