Unmasking midnight awakenings: The hidden health alarms
An unplanned wake-up in the middle of the night is unpleasant. If it happens only occasionally, it likely does not signify anything serious. However, if it becomes a regular occurrence, it is worth paying attention to your body and consulting a doctor, as it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.
1 November 2024 17:31
Many people tend to wake up during this time. While popular culture often associates this hour with supernatural phenomena, science views it differently. The real "demons" we may battle are often sleep disorders or everyday stresses.
The most common causes
Falling back to sleep after waking up can be challenging. Often, the main culprit is a high level of cortisol, the stress hormone. Other health issues, such as gastroesophageal reflux, asthma, or obstructive sleep apnoea, may also be responsible. Furthermore, certain medications, including those containing beta-carotene or some antidepressants, can contribute to nighttime awakenings.
Sleep health expert Olivia Arezzolo highlights that modern stress-related issues, worsened by the pandemic and job market uncertainty, negatively impact sleep quality. Research indicates that as many as 60% of UK citizens suffer from insomnia, illustrating the extent of this problem.
Waking up at this time is also linked to biological processes in the body. Around 8:00 AM GMT, our body prepares for the new day – melatonin production decreases, body temperature rises, and stress hormone levels increase to prepare the body for waking.
Why do you wake up at night?
According to information provided by Medonet, frequent awakenings between 8:00 and 10:00 AM GMT may be associated with health problems. These could include lung and liver issues, asthma, or allergies - doctors warn.
Stress also affects sleep quality. It's not surprising that when we are struggling with various difficulties or issues, our sleep might suffer.
If you notice a rapid heartbeat upon waking at night, it's a sign that you may be experiencing cardiological issues, which should not be ignored. In such cases, it is best to seek medical advice promptly.
