Why do I wake up at the same time every night?

Waking at the same time most nights usually has an ordinary cause. Common ones are a noisy or bright bedroom, a bathroom trip, stress, late caffeine or alcohol, an irregular schedule, or a health condition such as sleep apnea. More than 35% of people wake at least three times a week, so you are far from alone.

Because you tend to go to sleep at a similar time, your lighter sleep phases also land at a similar clock time. Anticipating the wake-up can add worry that keeps it going.

Practical steps include keeping a steady sleep schedule, a calming bedtime routine, a cool, dark, quiet bedroom, limiting stimulants and screens, and watching meal timing and portion sizes. Some medications, such as beta-blockers, diuretics and certain antidepressants, can cause night waking too, so ask your doctor or pharmacist before changing anything.

See a doctor if you wake several times a night, feel very tired in the daytime, have breathing pauses or gasping at night, or if anxiety or low mood is disrupting your sleep.

Source: Sleep Foundation - Why Do I Keep Waking Up at Night?

Read more on noddienight.com

• Why Do I Wake Up at 3am Every Night? A Calm Guide

Related questions

• How much sleep do adults need?
• Should I look at the clock when I wake up at night?
• What is the difference between trouble falling asleep and trouble staying asleep?
• When should I see a doctor about my sleep?
• Can a racing mind stop me from falling asleep, and what helps?
• Does napping during the day make it harder to sleep at night?

All night waking & falling asleep questions · All 100 questions