Low amount of sleep and feeling fine

[Cerebes]

I have no idea if something is wrong or not. I am eating normally and im not doing any drugs to keep me awake or overloading on cafein (forget my spelling) But i will normally fall asleep at around 11 to 12 at night, and wake up at 5 am and feel absolutely fine. this is a low amount of sleep and a bad habbit. I am not able to sleep after waking up and some nights i get no sleep at all. could be stress because so much has happened in the past 2 years im surprized i still have hair. Im 16 and im quite healthy other than my sleeping problems, any options to help me stay asleep longer would be great and not to mention refreshing for my summer break. Any advice would be much apreciated, thank you.

[DrNoopurMD]

Hi,

A late night snack can also kill sleep. I would suggest you to eat your dinner atleast two hrs before your normal sleep time. Reading a book before bedtime, listening to soothing music at night, adequate physical exercise during the day and a balanced diet will also help.

[Cerebes]

Thanks for the support and advice, I will give this all a try, if nothing improves ill brew some coffee and head to the sleep clinic the next morning. I hope things begin to change because even last night, i went to bed at 3 am and i woke up at 6:30 am and couldnt get back to sleep. Thanks again

[KatEyes]

Stress can affect sleep. But when it's happening over a long period of time, you are right, it's not a good habit to get by on so few hours. Now, if you were 61 instead of 16, that might be a different story.  Do you ever have times that you crash, like on the weekends, and try to catch up? If not, you probably do need to address this.

If you google sleep hygiene there will be helpful routines to establish. Saw something on the news just recently that those who listen to soothing music for about 45 minutes prior to sleep tend to sustain sleep longer. Have also read that exercise helps (and with stress, so that's a double bonus).

If these things do not help you, you may need evaluated by a physician. You could have a sleep disorder that needs treated. Sure hope those things that have stressed you so are in the past. Life will always have some stressors, but some really get hit hard by life. Sounds like you are quite self aware and have a healthy attitude about wanting to take care of yourself. Restorative sleep is so important to handling life's stresses both physically and emotionally. You're on the right track.