Broken sleep, characterized by frequent awakenings during the night, isn't inherently "okay," but its impact depends on severity and frequency. Occasional short awakenings between sleep cycles are normal and usually not a cause for concern. However, consistently interrupted sleep significantly impacts health.
Understanding Broken Sleep
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Normal vs. Problematic: Short awakenings are a natural part of sleep cycles. However, prolonged awakenings or difficulty falling back asleep signal a problem. Source: Broken Sleep | Trouble Sleeping, Aug 1, 2022
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Consequences of Poor Sleep: Chronic broken sleep contributes to insomnia, sleep deprivation, daytime sleepiness, and increased illness susceptibility. Source: Interrupted Sleep: How It Affects You and What to Do About It, Jan 22, 2024 This is because interrupted sleep prevents your body from completing necessary sleep cycles. Source: If my sleep is broken up but the total is 8 hours is that better than ..., Jan 12, 2019 It may also increase the risk of certain cancers and death. Source: Short- and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption
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Causes of Interrupted Sleep: Several factors contribute, including age, lifestyle habits (like alcohol consumption before bed), medication side effects, and underlying medical conditions. Source: Top 4 reasons why you're not sleeping through the night, Jan 19, 2022 Additionally, interrupted sleep can disrupt your body's natural circadian rhythm. Source: 5 Causes of Interrupted Sleep
When to Seek Help
If the time you are awake at night is increasing, or if you are struggling to fall asleep, it's essential to seek professional help. Source: Broken sleep is normal in some cases, Aug 1, 2022 A doctor can help identify and address underlying issues.
