’Why do I wake up at the same time every night?’ One of my patients recently asked me this question during a medical consultation. So I thought this article would be a good opportunity to talk about this phenomenon and the dangers that may lie behind it.
An internal alarm clock is a good thing, but not when it's set for 2:30am. Things like that happen, and then you're lying in the dark trying to go back to sleep – it's not pleasant at all, is it?
But just "unpleasant" doesn't say anything. Experts warn that the causes of such night wake-ups may indicate serious health problems. And every hour of this sudden awakening has its own significance.
So, pay attention to the following wake-up periods:
Between9 p.m. and 11 p.m.
You just fell asleep and suddenly woke up, despite the accumulated fatigue of the day. Waking up at this hour indicates a stressful situation. The inner turmoil and moods you are going through may also be related to thyroid dysfunction.
My recommendation: Try to take more frequent walks in the fresh air. Relaxation and yoga classes will help. Also get your thyroid checked.
Between 11 pm and 1 am.
This is a time of increased gallbladder activity. It is busy processing the fats consumed during the day. Waking up during this period can be a signal of gallbladder problems.
Psychologically, it can signal frustration and depression. Researchers have also found that sudden awakening in this range is more likely to occur in emotional, shy or introverted people.
My recommendation: Include foods containing healthy fats in your diet. Also try to read light fiction, watch comedy movies. Positive affirmations also help to set yourself on a positive wave.
Between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m.
This period is associated with the activity of the liver. When almost all other organs are resting, the liver begins to work actively. Interruption of sleep in this interval indicates that the load on this organ is increased.
Anger, guilt and resentment are also associated with this period. An excess of any of these feelings can cause you to wake up.
My recommendation: Do not overeat at night. Avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages and junk food. Try to drink cold water more often and learn to take responsibility in situations where you are angry with others. Otherwise, sleep problems will continue.
- Between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m.
During this period, sleep should be the deepest as the body reaches its lowest temperature. Also, the lungs begin to actively accumulate oxygen and then supply it to the whole body. Waking up at this time, one person may feel sadness and melancholy, another – grief. It is also a signal that you may be suffering from depression.
My recommendation: Before going to bed, ventilate the room. Since lung cleansing occurs during this period, sleeping with an open window can contribute to this process. Someone who wakes up at this time because of coughing should think about how their lungs are working, perhaps the problem is cigarettes or allergies….
If you suffer from depression, you should definitely consult a specialist.
- Between 5 a.m. and 7 a.m.
Waking up at this time, if not having a certain regime, is called "morning insomnia". Its causes are physical and psychological fatigue. On the other hand, during this period there is an activation of the large intestine. Therefore, waking up at this time can be absolutely normal, as a person may have a need to go to the toilet.
My recommendation: Half an hour or two hours before bedtime, try to find time for light exercise. Take a warm bath and drink a glass of milk with honey at night.
Remember that restful and uninterrupted sleep is the way to a healthy and beautiful you.