How well you sleep at night is not just influenced by internal factors like your bedtime routine and stress levels. In fact, several external factors can play a role in how well (or poorly) you sleep. From the food you eat to the noise around you, these culprits can greatly impact your slumber. Even so can your alcohol addiction. Only by getting in touch with West Palm Beach Methadone doctors & treatment centers can you help you with your addiction. But what factors do influence your sleep? Read on as we discuss some of the external factors that can affect your sleep quality. We will also provide tips on how to mitigate their negative effects.
Sleeping Environment
One of the most important things for a good night’s sleep is having a comfortable and peaceful sleeping environment. This means having a room that is dark, quiet, and cool. Unfortunately, many people do not have this ideal sleeping environment. Light and noise are some common environmental factors that can impact your sleep. Light exposure suppresses the production of melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate sleep. Noise can also be disruptive to sleep, preventing you from falling asleep or causing you to wake up during the night.
Excessive Smartphone Exposure
If you’ve been guilty of checking your phone in the middle of the night, you’re not alone. A recent study found that nearly 60% of people use their phones within an hour of bed. While it may not seem like a big deal to scroll through social media before bed, this excessive exposure to blue light can negatively impact sleep. Blue light suppresses melatonin production, making it more difficult to fall asleep. If you can’t break the habit of using your phone at night, try downloading a blue light filter for your device.
Shift Work
For many people, a regular sleep schedule is impossible due to their work schedules. Shift workers, in particular, often have trouble getting enough sleep because their work hours are outside of the traditional nine-to-five. If you work shifts, you can do a few things to promote better sleep. First, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule as much as possible. If you work different hours each day, try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Second, create a sleep environment that is dark, quiet, and cool. This will help you fall asleep and stay asleep more easily.
Certain Medication
While many medications can help improve sleep, some can have the opposite effect. Stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, are known to interfere with sleep. If you’re taking medication that contains caffeine, try to avoid taking it late in the day. Certain antidepressant …