Why am I restless at night?

We’re all prone to having the odd restless night, and it can leave us feeling groggy, tired, moody or lacking focus the next day.

There are several reasons why you might be restless at night, and you’re not alone if you’re having trouble sleeping. Around 14% of American adults experience some trouble falling and 17% have trouble staying asleep.

Here are some of the most common causes of restlessness.

• You’re feeling extra stressed and have a lot on your mind
• You’re overworked, either due to professional or personal responsibilities
• Your core temperature is too hot and it’s affecting your ability to drift off to sleep
• You’re not eating enough food or eating too much fatty/processed food
• You’re drinking too much alcohol and /or caffeine

If you’re experiencing restless nights, try the following top tips:

• Develop a calming bedtime routine to help minimize the stress from the day
• Stick to a consistent sleep-wake schedule by going to bed and getting up at the same time each day
• Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake, especially close to bedtime