Many factors contribute to this, including stress, insomnia, aging, medications, health conditions, and lifestyle choices. Stress is a major culprit, affecting both your body’s physical response and your ability to fall back asleep. As stress hormones rise, your body’s heart rate and temperature can stay elevated, keeping you awake.
Insomnia is another common cause, where difficulty either falling asleep or staying asleep persists regularly. For older adults, aging can lead to lighter sleep cycles, making it easier to wake up at night. Certain medications can interfere with sleep, including diuretics, antidepressants, and beta-blockers. Additionally, health conditions such as sleep apnea, arthritis, and GERD may disrupt sleep due to physical discomfort or breathing issues.