According to national health estimates, as many as 50–70 million Americans are affected by sleep disorders or sleep deprivation.
That’s an enormous number of people!
Now, it’s normal for most people to have an occasional poor night’s sleep. Things like stress, congestion and coughing from a cold, nighttime thunderstorms, or even a neighborhood dog barking at night can interrupt our sleep.
But when poor sleep becomes a regular occurrence, it can affect much more than how tired you feel the next day.
Even one poor night’s sleep can affect your mood, concentration and normal immune function. And regularly getting inadequate sleep has been associated with an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease, as well as problems with memory, concentration and overall brain function.
And there are several surprising reasons why insomnia may be affecting you that you might not have even thought of.
Here’s what I mean—these are 8 surprising causes of insomnia:
Your meds
A number of prescription and over-the-counter medications can interfere with sleep in some people. These may include certain:
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Alpha-blockers
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Beta-blockers
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Corticosteroids
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SSRI antidepressants
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ACE inhibitors
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Angiotensin II-receptor blockers (ARBs)
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Cholinesterase inhibitors
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Antihistamines
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Statins
What to do: If you suspect one of your medications may be interfering with your sleep, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Sometimes changing the time you take a medication, adjusting the dose or considering another medication may help.
And remember that nutrition can still play an important role in overall health.
For example, omega-3 fatty acids—like those found in our VitalMega-3 fish oil formula—have been studied for their roles in cardiovascular health, healthy triglyceride levels and the body’s normal inflammatory response.
Likewise, the gut microbiome and immune system are closely connected, with the gut playing an important role in normal immune function. A potent probiotic formula such as Super Shield can help support a healthy intestinal environment and normal immune function.
Menopause
In addition to hot flashes, many women experience significant sleep problems during perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal changes, night sweats and other symptoms can make falling asleep—and staying asleep—much more difficult.
Men can also experience hormonal changes as they age that may affect sleep and overall well-being.
What to do: If hormonal changes seem to be affecting your sleep, talk with a qualified practitioner about whether hormone therapy may be appropriate for you.
Bioidentical hormones have the same chemical structure as hormones produced by the human body, and both FDA-approved bioidentical hormone therapies and compounded preparations are available.
Chronic joint pain
While it’s normal for most people to be sore after a new workout or strenuous activity, chronic pain is a whole different animal—and it can have a significant impact on your sleep.
Pain can make it harder to fall asleep, wake you during the night and make it difficult to get comfortable enough for truly restful sleep.
What to do: If you want nutritional support for a healthy inflammatory response and joint comfort, consider our Optimal Turmeric Blend.
Turmeric and its active compounds, including curcumin, have been extensively studied for their effects on inflammation and joint health. Research involving people with osteoarthritis has found that turmeric or curcumin extracts may help reduce joint pain and improve function. Some studies have even found results comparable to certain nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Hidden sources of caffeine
Most people know that caffeine can affect sleep and avoid regular coffee, tea, energy drinks and soda at night.
But there are other sources of caffeine that you might not realize.
What to do: Watch out for these sneaky caffeine sources:
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Decaf coffee (yes, you read that right—it still contains a small amount of caffeine)
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Chocolate, especially dark chocolate
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Chocolate- and coffee-flavored foods and desserts
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Some OTC pain relievers, including certain Excedrin products
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Some breath fresheners, mints and chewing gums
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Some protein and energy bars or shakes
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Kombucha made from caffeinated tea
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Non-cola sodas
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Some flavored or “energy” waters
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Some granola and energy bars
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Pre-workout and other energy supplements
If sleep is a problem for you, get in the habit of reading labels. You may be consuming more caffeine—or consuming it later in the day—than you realize.
Your nightcap
Some people like to have a nightcap in the evening, or some use alcohol to help themselves fall asleep (less than ideal in this instance).
Although alcohol can initially make you feel sleepy, drinking it close to bedtime can interfere with the quality and continuity of your sleep later in the night.
What to do: If you drink alcohol, consider having it earlier in the evening and with a meal rather than using it as a sleep aid. If you want to sip something warm before bed, opt for a naturally caffeine-free herbal tea such as chamomile.
You may be low in vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an important nutrient involved in red blood cell formation, neurological function, DNA synthesis and normal cellular function.
And getting enough B12 isn't always as simple as eating foods that contain it.
B12 deficiency or insufficiency can occur for several reasons:
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Absorption can be more difficult in people who have low stomach acid or regularly use acid-suppressing medications.
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The body's ability to absorb naturally occurring B12 can decline with age, putting older adults at greater risk.
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Certain digestive conditions, including Crohn's disease and celiac disease, can interfere with B12 absorption.
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Metformin, a medication commonly used for Type 2 diabetes, can reduce B12 levels in some people.
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People who eat little or no animal foods may not consume adequate amounts of naturally occurring B12.
What to do: If you suspect you may be low in B12, your level can be evaluated with testing.
For people looking to supplement their intake, Hydroxaden 2.5 Vitamin B liquid provides 2.5 mg of vitamin B12 in each daily dose, along with vitamins B2, B3 and B6 and a blend of soothing herbs.
You’re hungry
Have you ever awakened in the middle of the night with your stomach growling?
When your body needs nourishment, it has ways of letting you know—and it doesn’t particularly care whether it’s 2:00 in the afternoon or 2:00 in the morning!
Your overall nutritional status also matters because the body relies on nutrients to carry out countless processes involved in nervous-system function and the production of chemical messengers.
What to do: Focus on nourishing, nutrient-dense foods rather than relying heavily on ultra-processed foods.
Build your diet around foods such as meats, poultry and wild-caught fish, fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs, dairy, whole grains and healthy fats such as olive oil, avocado, coconut and real butter.
And keep sugar and highly refined carbohydrates to a minimum.
Your room is too warm
Room temperature can have a direct effect on sleep quality. Your body's core temperature naturally drops as you prepare for sleep, and an overly warm bedroom can work against that process.
What to do: Try making your bedroom a little cooler at night.
That might mean turning down the heat, turning up the air conditioning slightly, using lighter bedding or opening a window when the weather and your surroundings make that practical.
And don't forget the other basics: A bedroom that is cool, dark and quiet generally provides the best environment for restful sleep.
Nighty night
Sleep is one of the foundations of good health, yet sometimes the reason you aren't sleeping well isn't obvious.
Take a look at your medications, caffeine intake, hormones, nutrition, pain levels, alcohol habits and even the temperature of your bedroom. Sometimes a few small changes can make a surprisingly big difference.
And when you start identifying and addressing the things that may be interfering with your sleep, you give your body a much better opportunity to get the regular, restorative rest it needs.
To your health,
Sherry Brescia
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