Why do I wake up every hour, on the hour?
69 Answers
Moderated by Smita Joshi, BA Psychology / MA / Advanced EFT Practitioner
Updated: May 18, 2022
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Roboto
on
Oct 27, 2015
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Cortisol might be the cause.. Cortisol is the hormone that makes us feel alert, it can sometimes be elevated at night when we are under stress or lead stressful lives. Also it is elevated when our blood sugar is low (our body uses cortisol to RAISE blood sugar). So if you have not eaten for a long time, or have eaten a sugar loaded meal, then when the crash comes your body will use cortisol to raise the sugar level in your blood, keeping you awake at night. This is important, because your body's blood sugar level can lead even to death if it goes out of the parameters your body/brain needs, so your body prioritises this. A sugary diet or not eating well can lead to problems, as your body will prioritise its blood sugar levels over sleep (and that is saying something!). Also caffeine (as most know) should be avoided, but I recommend giving it up entirely. Read "the truth about caffeine" or a similar book, if you need convincing. Phosphatidylserine, a natural substance we produce in our bodies as well as getting from a some foods can really help us reabsorb cortisol when its high, so this can be helpful, but only if you sort out your diet too, Supplements of this could help if taken after dinner, I was recommended 300mg a night by functional medical practitioner and it was very effective, I however suggest getting some nutritional advice or advice from a functional medical practitioner before undertaking any supplement program. Hormone problems related to your thyroid can also make a difference to your sleep quality, and so if you are experience lack of energy (which I bet you do) then check out your thyroid. Docs normally won't treat you if your TSH (a thyroid marker they look at) is below 5, but if its over 2 you will not feel good (I know this from my own experience and that of others I have spoken to). If your TSH is over 2 then go and see a functional medical practitioner (please learn the difference between them and regular doctors) and you will be on the right track. Not all sleepless nights are caused by universal factors or the ones I've mentioned, my information is for you to bear in mind and use your judgement. Magnesium deficiency can really harm a good night's sleep, so my last words on the subject are to try a little magnesium after dinner (magnesium is the most deficient nutrient in modern society) so its likely it could help. You can take it through supplement tablets, a body spray on the skin, or baths with salts high in magnesium. They all work. Magnesium is the first thing given to heart attack patients to calm everything down, so you can imagine its importance, and also its safeness, please read up on it or take advice before proceeding with any supplements though. I hope you find this information useful, I have obtaining from wide reading, discussions with functional medical practitioners and nutritionists, and lastly but not least, through first hand experience.
Having trouble sleeping well?
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WhoWho
on
May 20, 2016
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I wake up every hour on the hour because everytime I am awake I can do better in the world. When you are awake you have the potential for so much.
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Smilelikethis15
on
May 25, 2015
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You might be worried or anxious about something? Are you scared of something or has anyone threatened you recently? Do you feel safe where you sleep?
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Unlocker3674
on
Feb 29, 2016
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insomnia is often caused by overthinking and over worrying about things, which isn't hard to guess but very hard to deal with. Make peace with yourself, care less about others and more about your well being
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deedee1909
on
May 13, 2016
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There are many different causes for sleep insomnia.
Environmental factors - Is your room to hot, too cold, uncomfy, too light, too dark. Adapt your sleeping arrangements to suit you. Some can't sleep without background noise, some require absolute silence. Others will not be able to sleep wearing pyjamas, whereas others would be unable to get comfy without them.
Mental factors - Are you experiencing stress, anxiety, paranoia, feeling pressured? Or even are you extremely happy... is everything just a bit too perfect? These things can effect our sleep, the mind is extremely powerful! If you feel there is an underlying cause, consult a healthcare professional.
Medical factors - Are you unwell? Have a cold? In pain? Medical factors can have a huge impact on sleep, even things such as pregnancy can change your sleeping habits! Again, if you feel a medical problem could be a factor consult a healthcare professional.
Crazy but proven tip!... Supposedly our body clocks can in fact be reset!!!! A recent study showed that when a group of insomniacs took to camping for 3 days, their body clocks rest themselves, and when returning home they would wake and go to sleep at more "normal" times. The theory behind this, is that when sleeping under the stars and away from technology, your body learns to rise when the sun comes up, and sleep when the sun goes down. This isn't to say the sun actually triggers you to fall asleep, but supposedly can have a positive effect on those with sleep disorders.
Anonymous
on
Jul 9, 2018
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If you suddenly just start waking up every night, every hour on the hour and there is nothing wrong with you, that should be of concern. You may have had invasive surgeryin the past under general anaesthetic. Many people have started to complain about this type of very odd sleeplessness. I recommend you buy a hand held radio frequency scanner and test for yourself for radio frequency implants. RFID is a very serious threat to privacy and no one wants to talk about it.
Anonymous
on
Jun 17, 2015
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Sounds like a sleeping problem. Here are a few situations though: Circadian Rhythm Disorders, Insomnia, Snoring, Sleep Apnea, Pregnancy, Narcolepsy, Restless Leg Syndrome, Nightmares, Night Terrors and Sleepwalking, Young Age, Old Age, Lifestyle, Medication, Depression, Anxiety, Heart Failure, or Lung problems. If any of these sounds like something you have or do have, chances are they could be the problem. Asking a health professional is your best resort if you need more information or help. :)
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zaix
on
Oct 25, 2015
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There's lots of weird sleeping schedules, lots of people have trouble sleeping all throughout the night and not waking for no apparent reason, you may need to talk to a professional about it because I know nothing else about you and therefore I cannot help very well.
Anonymous
on
Apr 29, 2016
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If this is not a biological disorder then it is propably OCD.Maybe you are anxious about something and that is troubling your sleep.
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wonderfulCupcake00
on
Apr 23, 2016
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Check for ventilation , proper sleep hygiene, Some people have some time adjusting due to changes , maybe , new environment , noise, trauma it differs
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lyricalSea85
on
Nov 9, 2017
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There is something going on in your mind. Something the brain has been trying to tell you, and something you have left unnoticed. Each day, before going to bed, recall every single activity you have done throughout the day. All the happy ones, the embarrassing ones, everything... Have a glass of water and sleep.
Anonymous
on
Nov 22, 2017
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Something in your life might be unsolved and keep you restless. Make a list of all the things that you want to do, things that you have to do. Arrange them by importance or priority. Group them in categories like "goals", "todo", "maybe someday" or "next action". Those "next action" items that need less than two minutes time can be tackled at once. When a task is finished, scratch the item from your list. See "GTD method" for further info. Good luck!
Anonymous
on
Apr 27, 2016
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Sleep disorders are very common and very treatable a doctor can best recommend how you can get a full nights sleep.
Anonymous
on
May 18, 2016
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Because I cannot sleep and am stressed out about life and my family. Those are the most important :)
Anonymous
on
Jun 28, 2016
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To wake up effectively, i have my friends call me to wake me up, or use my favorite songs as alarm clocks!
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jony25
on
May 12, 2016
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may be your mind is occupied with some thing you know when you are going to sleep your mind still wake and your thoughts go around allover your head .so don't give mind to any thing & try to clear your mind before you go to bed & go to bed when you want to sleep ..
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AshleyLawrence
on
Feb 18, 2015
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There are a variety of reasons. Maybe you have trouble with sleeping, maybe your hormone levels are off, maybe it is a habit that you have gotten yourself in, maybe there is some anxiety, etc. I would definitely go talk to your medical doctor. They will be able to see if it is biological and they will treat you. They will also be able to tell if it is psychological and they will refer you to a psychologist who can help you. I imagine that your day to day functioning is pretty impaired from missing so much sleep and not being able to reach your deep sleep, which is when your memories are formed and your body repairs itself, so I would definitely see someone about it soon. Also if you are feeling oddly paranoid or anxious it is most likely connected to the lack of sleep.
Anonymous
on
May 13, 2016
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This could be for several different reasons. Maybe talking to your doctor about it can help. But remember only you can figure out you.
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StayGorgeous08
on
May 26, 2016
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You wake up at the same time every time perhaps because you go to bed at the same time. That's a good thing.
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WinterLavender
on
Aug 21, 2016
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When your body is used to sleeping or waking up at a certain hour, it is only natural for it to keep waking up at the same time. If you have to wake up earlier, try to adjust the time you sleep gradually.