Moderated by
Lindsay Scheinerman, MA, LPC
Licensed Professional Counselor
My work with clients is to help them recognize and build on their strengths to find solutions for the conflicts presented in their lives.
Top Rated Answers
There are many reasons for tossing and turning. These include sleep apnea, chronic pain, periodic limb movement and acid reflux to name a few. Others include the bedroom environment being too warm or having too much light. In addition, excessive alcohol, caffeine and heavy meals before bed can lead to restless sleep.
I often find that with stress I toss and turn a lot in my sleep. I have spent many long nights waking up from moving around so much whenever I have big exams coming up or some personal life issue going on. I also find that going to bed upset leads to me tossing and turning. My bed may be my safe area, but if I fall asleep in it feeling very distressed or upset, I know I will have a bad night.
Most people do, if you have a lot on your mind when you're trying to dose off then you're most likely going to have a hard time falling asleep and normally that will result in tossing and turning yourself to sleep.
This can be related to a variety of things. One of the most common issues has to do with sleeping position and also outside distractions. Do you find yourself leaving the television on? Do you have noisy family members/roommates? Do you sleep with the light on? A variety of things can contribute to unrestful sleep. The key is to take note of your habits and try changing small habits.
Generally People toss and turn because something is bothering them or they have a lot on their mind. If it is persistent I would try to talk to someone If that doesn't work go to your doctor and tell them what is going on. Getting enough sleep is so important!
Anonymous
June 17th, 2015 4:58pm
Tossing and turning help find a comfortable position to sleep in. It's okay if you do that. Many people do this. You are not alone.
Anonymous
June 30th, 2015 9:26pm
It's normal for people to toss and turn sometimes. However, there can be any number of reasons why you are experiencing difficulty staying asleep. If the issue continues, I recommend speaking with your primary care physician.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2015 6:22am
everyone does i guess maybe some people more than others but it's normal and you might just be trying to find a good position
Anonymous
November 27th, 2015 12:02am
This may be your method of getting comfortable or finding a better sleeping position. It's just your body's way of getting ready for sleep, however this may be counter-productive and keep you awake.
It can be really difficult to sleep soundly when you haven't given your body an expected schedule that includes working out, eating healthy and drinking plenty of water.
This could be due to a number of different things. You might be experiencing high volumes of stress, or you may need to adjust your evening routine. Try focusing on a calming routine before bed, where you decrease screen time, have a warm shower, and perhaps read. Do whatever you need to help yourself feel good and relaxed before bed.
factors like stress or big life changes can bring on a few sleepless nights, prolonged trouble sleeping could be a sign of another issue like depression or a sleep disorder like sleep apnea
Hello, I've actually been in the same situation as you before! I found the cause of my restlessness to be that I either looked at my phone/TV before bed or I had a lot on my mind. So now I don't look at electronics 1 hour before bed. To clear my mind, I sit on my bed with the lights off and meditate for at least 10 minutes before I sleep. I just concentrate on breathing in and out slowly. It really helped me! If you have any more questions, feel free to message me!
Anonymous
March 27th, 2018 12:34am
You may toss and turn to sleep because someone in your house is being disruptive for you to have a good night sleep or you may have a hard time falling asleep.
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