4 reasons you may be experiencing disrupted sleep

In the quiet of the night, as the world snoozes, there exists a silent struggle that many people face: disrupted sleep. Our 2024 ResMed Sleep Survey reveals just a quarter (25%) of us across the world can fall asleep and stay asleep all the time.¹

But fear not, for within each of us lies the potential to harness our sleep ‘superpowers’ and conquer the common enemies that stop us from getting a good night’s rest. Let us embark on a journey to uncover the mysteries behind disrupted sleep.

There are several reasons why you might be experiencing disrupted sleep. Before consulting with your doctor, you might want to consider whether any of the following factors might be impacting your slumber:

1. Are you using technology before bed?

Picture this: the glow of your phone screen illuminates your face as you scroll through endless feeds. The allure of one more episode keeps you glued to your TV screen late into the night. Is this something you can relate to? Technology can be our friend, but mindless scrolling can be a foe when it comes to sleep.

The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt our natural sleep-wake cycle, tricking our brains into thinking it's still daytime.² This can lead to difficulty falling asleep and trouble sleeping. But remember, you hold the power to overcome this adversary. Embrace the power of technology curfews and banish screens from the bedroom at least an hour before bed.³ Your journey to better sleep begins with a simple step away from the screen.

• Read ‘How screentime habits can harm your sleep’ for more tips on how to limit your screentime before bed.

2. Is menopause causing your sleep deprivation?

Ladies, listen up, for this foe may strike close to home. Menopause, with its hormonal fluctuations and hot flashes, can wreak havoc on our sleep patterns.³ As our bodies undergo this natural transition, it's common to find ourselves tossing and turning throughout the night, searching in vain for elusive slumber.⁴

Among Australian women experiencing menopause or perimenopause, 68% experience night sweats or hot flashes at night, according to our ResMed 2024 Sleep Survey.¹ At the same time, 75% of those women reported disturbed or broken sleep.¹

Never fear, for knowledge is power. Understanding the changes happening within your body can help you better navigate this challenging time. Seek out support from healthcare professionals, explore relaxation techniques, and embrace the power of a cool, dark bedroom. Remember, menopause may be a formidable opponent, but with the right tools, you can emerge victorious in the battle for restful sleep.

• Read ‘Does menopause impact your sleep?’ to better understand how menopause affects your sleep and the treatments available.
• Read ‘How to sleep with hot flashes and night sweats’ for help battling night sweats.

3. Are stress and anxiety keeping you awake?

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, stress lurks around every corner, threatening to disrupt our precious sleep. Whether it's looming deadlines, financial worries, or personal conflicts, the weight of our daily stressors can manifest itself in the form of sleepless nights.⁵

In fact, our 2024 ResMed Sleep Survey shows that the top three causes of disrupted sleep are:¹

• Anxiety (42%)
• Work-related stress (27%)
• Financial pressures (25%)

Take a moment to pause, breathe, and centre yourself amidst the chaos. Practice mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, to calm the mind and prepare you for sleep.⁶ And remember – it's okay to ask for help. Whether from friends, family, or professionals, support is always within reach. Together, we can conquer even the mightiest stressors and reclaim our right to peaceful sleep.

4. What do you know about insomnia?

Ah, insomnia, the arch-nemesis of restful slumber. With its relentless grip, it robs us of our precious rest, leaving us weary and worn. Our 2024 ResMed Sleep Survey suggests that insomnia may affect the sleep of up to a quarter of people.¹

But don’t be afraid, for within each of us lies the resilience to overcome even the most persistent sleep problems. First, to the extent you have been diagnosed with insomnia, identify any underlying causes or triggers that may contribute to it. From caffeine consumption to irregular sleep schedules, pinpointing the root of the problem is the first step towards finding a treatment.⁷

Next, embrace the power of sleep hygiene, cultivating a bedtime routine that signals to your body that it's time to unwind and relax. And finally, don't be afraid to seek professional help if needed. With the support of your doctor, you can develop a personalised plan to reclaim your sleep and address your chronic insomnia symptoms.

• If you think insomnia might be keeping you up at night, visit our website for information on symptoms.

Disrupted sleep may be a powerful adversary, but within each of us lies the potential to triumph. By identifying the key reasons behind our lack of sleep, we can enjoy peaceful nights and energised days. So go forth and discover your sleep superpowers. The world awaits your well-rested greatness.

Visit ResMed.com.au/sleeppowers to learn more about the benefits of good sleep. Ready to start your journey to better sleep? Take a free sleep assessment.