Tired but can’t sleep? Here’s why

Sleep plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing and is essential for maintaining good physical and mental health. It allows our bodies to rest, repair and rejuvenate. However, many of us know all too well that getting quality sleep can be a challenge, resulting in groggy, tired mornings.

In this blog post, we’ll explore why we need sleep, the role of the circadian rhythm, the reasons behind feeling tired even after sleep, what may prevent us from falling asleep when we are tired, and—most importantly—how to sleep better.

WHY DO WE NEED SLEEP?

Sleep is a biological necessity that allows our bodies to recover and recharge. During sleep, our brains consolidate memories, repair tissues, regulate hormones and strengthen the immune system. Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker makes for a thorough and enlightening read on the topic, explaining how we can harness sleep to enhance longevity and even reduce our risk of cancer, Alzheimer’s, obesity and diabetes.

The knock-on effect of sleep is immediate as well as long-term: a bad night’s sleep can cause us to drink more coffee or reach for sugar-laden, high-carbohydrate foods for that quick fix of energy, which then creates a cycle of poor sleep habits. On the flip side, if you get your sleep right, you feel more energised for exercise, more productive at work and able to make healthier food choices.

WHAT IS THE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM?

The circadian rhythm, often referred to as “our internal clock”, regulates our sleep-wake cycle. It is influenced by external factors such as light and darkness, and helps us maintain a regular sleep pattern.

WHY DO I STILL FEEL TIRED AFTER SLEEP?

Have you ever woken up feeling tired, even after a seemingly adequate amount of sleep? There can be several reasons behind this, with the most common cause being poor sleep quality. Factors like a disruptive sleep environment, sleep disorders and even certain medications can impact the quality of our sleep, leaving us feeling groggy and fatigued. Additionally, inconsistent sleep schedules or frequent awakenings throughout the night can also contribute to feeling tired even after sleep—new parents, we feel your pain!

WHY DO I STRUGGLE TO SLEEP EVEN WHEN I'M TIRED?

On the other end of the spectrum, sometimes we may find it difficult to fall asleep, even when we feel exhausted. This can be due to various factors, such as stress, anxiety or an overactive mind. Racing thoughts, worries and a heavy presence of cortisol (our stress hormone) can disrupt our ability to relax and enter a restful state. Additionally, lifestyle choices like excessive caffeine consumption, irregular sleep patterns or exposure to stimulating screens before bed can also interfere with falling asleep.

WHAT CAN I DO TO IMPROVE MY SLEEP?

First and foremost, address your bedtime routine and clean up your sleep hygiene: that means sticking to a regular bedtime, avoiding screens before bed and reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption.

If you're looking for a natural sleep remedy to improve your sleep quality, our Rest sleep dropper could be the solution you've been seeking. Made with a potent combination of natural plant extracts, this sleep supplement is formulated to ease anxiety, calm racing thoughts, and induce deep and restful sleep. In fact, 89% of trial participants reported an improvement in sleep quality within just one week of use. Unlike some other sleep aids, we don’t use synthetic melatonin, so you won’t be left feeling groggy the next day.

Although a good night’s sleep can give us short-term benefits like renewed energy and focus, regularly sleeping well is beneficial to our overall health and wellbeing. Regular use of Rest can help to reset your circadian rhythm, so you can get to a point where you can get a great night’s sleep without it.