How Many Times Should You Wake Up During the Night? A Sleep Expert's Perspective

Waking During Night

By Professor Goodsleep

Have you ever woken up in the morning feeling exhausted even though you spent eight hours in bed? The quality of your sleep can be just as important as the quantity.

One of the biggest indicators of poor sleep quality is how often you're waking up during the night.

Is It Normal to Wake Up During the Night?

Yes. Most healthy adults briefly wake up several times throughout the night, often without remembering it. The problem begins when those awakenings become frequent enough to interrupt healthy sleep.

My Personal Experience

Before I got into the sleep industry, I had a mattress that was slowly wearing out. I didn't realize how bad it had become because it happened so gradually.

Eventually, I realized I was waking up six to eight times every single night. What I eventually discovered was that my mattress was no longer providing the support and pressure relief I needed.

I was constantly shifting positions throughout the night because my body was uncomfortable, and every adjustment interrupted my sleep.

What Is a Normal Number of Nighttime Awakenings?

0 to 2 remembered awakenings may be perfectly normal. Three to four remembered awakenings may indicate something is disrupting your sleep. Five or more awakenings on a regular basis is usually worth investigating.

Your Body Is Trying to Tell You Something

When I was waking up six to eight times every night, I blamed stress, age, and everything else except the real cause. Looking back, my body was trying to tell me something.

Every time I woke up, it was because I needed to shift positions to relieve pressure and discomfort.

Common Reasons People Wake Up Repeatedly

An unsupportive mattress, shoulder and hip pressure, pillow problems, pain, snoring, and sleep apnea are all common causes of frequent awakenings.

A Simple Test

Ask yourself: Do I wake up in the same position I fell asleep? Do I wake up with pain? Do I feel rested in the morning? Do I frequently toss and turn? Do I rely heavily on caffeine?

The Bottom Line

Waking up once in a while during the night is perfectly normal. Waking up repeatedly every night is not something you should ignore.

If you're waking up multiple times every night and feeling tired during the day, your mattress, pillow, sleeping position, pain levels, or sleep apnea may be contributing to the problem.

Don't Worry, Sleep Happy.

Professor Goodsleep

Related Articles:

Why Do I Wake Up More Tired Than When I Went To Bed?

Tossing and Turning All Night? Your Mattress May Be Trying to Tell You Something