If you have diabetes and use medications that can cause low blood sugar, nighttime symptoms deserve particular attention.
Don’t try to diagnose the cause based solely on the clock.
13. Hormonal Changes Can Affect Sleep
Hormones influence many processes involved in sleep and wakefulness.
Changes associated with menopause, for example, can cause hot flashes and night sweats that interrupt sleep.
Other hormonal or endocrine conditions can also affect sleep.
Thyroid disorders, for instance, may be associated with symptoms that influence sleep, although waking at 3 or 4 A.M. by itself does not indicate a thyroid problem.
The key is to look at the whole picture.
If nighttime awakenings occur alongside significant changes in body temperature, unexplained weight changes, palpitations, menstrual changes, or other persistent symptoms, medical evaluation may be appropriate.
14. Pain Can Wake You Without You Realizing It
Sometimes the cause is physical discomfort.
Back pain.
Arthritis.
Neck pain.
Leg discomfort.
Headaches.
