Ever wake up after what should have been a solid night of sleep…and still feel exhausted?
Experts say it may not be about how long you’re sleeping, but what’s happening while you’re asleep.
According to sleep psychologist Alicia Roth with Cleveland Clinic, one of the most common issues sleep centers look for is sleep apnea, a condition where breathing repeatedly stops or becomes shallow during the night. Those interruptions can cause you to wake up over and over without even realizing it, preventing your body from getting the deep, restorative sleep it needs.
Lifestyle habits can also play a role. Caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can all disrupt sleep quality, even if you’re technically in bed long enough. And surprisingly, getting too much sleep can sometimes leave you feeling groggy instead of refreshed.
If you’re still feeling tired after improving your sleep habits, Roth recommends checking in with your doctor. Fatigue can sometimes be linked to vitamin deficiencies or hormone changes, including shifts related to menopause or testosterone levels. Bloodwork can help pinpoint whether something medical is contributing to ongoing exhaustion.
