- External smells.
When you inhale certain smells, their molecules reach the olfactory receptors, which then send a signal to the brain. If the smell is associated with something important or anxiety-inducing for the person, the brain may trigger awakening even during a sleep. For example, the smell of smoke may cause someone to wake up due to subconscious concern, or the scent of food might attract attention, causing thirst or hunger. Scents with strong emotional associations can also affect dreams or a sense of safety, sometimes leading to restless sleep. Therefore, when going to bed for the night, it is important to cover any prepared food to prevent its aroma from affecting your rest. It is also better not to leave items with strong scents in the room, as they can influence sleep quality.
- Too small a sleeping space.
When the space for sleep is limited, it can be difficult for a person to find a comfortable position, leading to discomfort and pain in the back or neck. This forces them to wake up during the night to adjust their position or correct their posture. Additionally, restricted space can cause overheating, as the heat generated during sleep has no room to dissipate, leading to an uncomfortable feeling of warmth. This can also affect the depth of sleep, making it more likely to wake up due to excessive heat. Moreover, when the sleeping space is too small, a person might simply fall off the bed during sudden movements in their sleep, causing them to wake up quickly and possibly sustaining injuries that affect their lives. This kind of nighttime discomfort will affect your energy levels in the morning, leaving you feeling tired and unrested. That’s why it’s important to choose an optimal bed size that suits your height and weight, so you can sleep well and avoid waking up during the night.
- Excessive anxiety.
Studies show that due to the rapid development of technology and the accelerated pace of life, most people now experience excessive anxiety. This state makes it difficult for people to relax, which can be a reason for frequent awakenings at night. For instance, the brain cannot fully disconnect from troubling thoughts, leading to shallow sleep. In such conditions, even small sounds or changes in position can trigger awakening. In addition, during the night, the experience may become more vivid, making it more likely that you will wake up disturbed. To reduce anxiety, try spending more time away from your phone during the day and avoid watching distressing news or horror films.
- The windows are open tightly enough.
If a window is not tightly closed, cold will air or external noise can enter through the gaps. This can reduce sleep comfort and disrupt the depth of sleep. For example, noise from the street, such as cars, birds, or even people, can easily wake someone up, even if the noise is not very loud. Also, if the window in the room is not properly closed, it can become colder, leading to discomfort and waking up as the body tries to adjust to the temperature changes. Furthermore, if there is strong wind outside, it can cause various noises that may startle a person, disrupting their rest. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the windows are properly closed before going to bed, in order to guarantee a comfortable and uninterrupted rest.
If you experience frequent nighttime awakenings due to the abovementioned reasons or others, consider taking medications like Armod or Modalert to improve your concentration during the day.
