Studies show that many experience problems waking up in the middle of the night, which can be frustrating and rob them of valuable hours of sleep. However, health specialists assert that this may be related to stress, and there are ways to avoid frequent awakenings.
Psychologist Greg Mori states: "We all wake up occasionally during the night, and the surface-level sleep becomes more prevalent in the second half of the night. When the sleep is good, we do not notice these awakenings."
Mori adds that insomnia related to awakening at night, when you 'should' be sleeping, can lead to a negative feeling of insomnia at every stage of surface sleep. In simple terms, we exacerbate the situation with our insomnia about waking up at this time.
To improve sleep quality, the National Health System (NHS) recommends the following tips: ensure darkness and quiet in the bedroom, use opaque curtains or an eye mask and earplugs; maintain a comfortable temperature in the bedroom; choose a comfortable mattress, bedding, and pillow; engage in regular physical activity during the day; have a calming ritual before bed, such as taking a bath or listening to soft music; jot down any ideas or worries before bed to make it easier to forget them by morning; try to wake up at the same time each day, making an effort to stick to it, even if you did not sleep enough.
It should also be noted that waking up in the middle of the night can be triggered by stress. Many experts advise maintaining a regular sleep schedule and using various relaxation methods to reduce stress levels, which can be a reason for frequent awakenings during the second half of the night.
