Can’t sleep? This could be the reason…

sleep

by Emma Dodds |
Updated on

If you're struggling to sleep, it could be down to one of these little-known causes

Most people put their lack of sleep down to having too much energy or not being able to switch off correctly.

But a study commissioned by eve Sleep has discovered that there are actually 30 different elements that can have a knock-on effect of bad sleep.

Of the 2,000 British adults surveyed, a whopping two thirds are convinced that bad sleep is having a significant effect on their lives.

They reckon they're having 90 bad sleeping nights every year, and as a result have made 171 questionable decisions throughout the 12 months.

Worryingly, 47% of people believe it has damaged their health.

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Abigail James' top 7 tips for healthy skin in winter (slider)

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1. Say goodbye to unnecessary chemicals

"Some fragrances and colours are skin irritants and have no actual benefits for the skin - they simply look and smell nice. "According to the research almost two thirds of British women are concerned about the chemicals in their personal care products so my advice would be to avoid unnecessary chemical ingredients and look for shower gels and deodorants that are kinder to skin - such as the Sanex Zero% range which is formulated with 0% colourants, 0% soap and 0% parabens."

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2. Avoid low fat diets

"When it comes to holistic health, achieving a healthy balance is really important. Choose healthy fats for healthy cell function – this can be added into your diet through foods such as avocadoes, fish, nuts and seeds and plant oils such as flax and hemp. "Another tip is to ditch the processed margarines. If you're going to have butter then make it organic natural butter which has less synthetic ingredients."

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3. Try light exercise

"Getting up and moving daily will boost circulation, and getting your muscles moving will increase your levels of 'happy' hormones or endorphins and blood flow. This in turn will give your skin a lovely healthy glow. "It doesn't matter whether it's a light stroll or training at the gym, as long as you're moving your skin will feel the benefits."

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4. Get an early night

"Lack of sleep increases the visible appearance of ageing, such as dark circles caused by sluggish circulation."With that in mind say goodbye to your phone or tablet at least an hour before going to bed and try to get a good night's sleep – your skin will thank you for it."

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5. Reduce sugar intake

"A high intake of sugar can cause an inflammatory reaction within the skin resulting in a whole host of skin conditions, from acne and rosacea to premature ageing and dry skin. "A little treat every now and then won't hurt, but try to keep an eye on your sugar levels if you're looking to keep skin healthy."

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6. Curb the caffeine

"Too much coffee or caffeinated drinks can put extra stress on the liver and digestive system which impacts your body's natural detoxification process. "This build-up of toxins can have a negative effect on the health of your skin causing issues such as dry skin, redness and sensitivity."

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7. Skincare shouldn't stop at your face

"There can often be a temptation to focus on the health of the skin on our faces but we must remember that the whole body is covered in skin which is the largest organ of your body – so we need to make sure we are giving it the care it deserves."Our skin absorbs a percentage of the products we apply, so choose products that are gentle on skin with natural moisturisers."

Ironically, 44% of people have such anxiety about sleeping poorly that that in itself is making them sleep badly.

On average, Brits are sleeping for six hours and 34 minutes ever night, and typically wake up twice.

Health is a worry for sleep-deprived Brits, as 61% were concerned about the impact that sleepless nights was having on their wellbeing.

Another 45% admitted that bad sleeping was having a negative effect on their relationship - and 29% think it has affected the relationship they have with their children.

The research discovered 30 little things that can have a knock-on effect of bad sleep - so if you're struggling to drift off, check through the list!

The top 30 things that can have a knock-on effect of bad sleep

  1. Feeling stressed

  2. More likely to overreact to things

  3. Reduced sense of humour

  4. Having a short attention span/finding it hard to concentrate

  5. Feeling more emotional

  6. Being unproductive at work

  7. Being more clumsy

  8. Eating unhealthy food

  9. Spending day in a bit of a haze

  10. Having bags under my eyes

  11. Arguing with my partner

  12. Oversleeping

  13. Feeling rushed

  14. Being snappy with the kids

  15. Being late

  16. Reduced empathy/find it hard to care about things

  17. Forgetting things at work

  18. Lacking patience when driving

  19. Making mistakes at work

  20. Have less patience with shop assistants

  21. Having less patience with clients/customers

  22. Being less presentable

  23. Being ruder

  24. Missing appointments

  25. Driving less safely

  26. Missing deadlines

  27. Arguing with work colleagues

  28. Pulling a sickie

  29. Dropping my kids off to school late

  30. Forgetting to make the kids' pack lunch

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