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Sleep & energy

Why do i wake up in the middle of the night?

  • Short answer
  • Reading level 13-15
  • Night waking is common in adolescence, and several things drive it: a shifted body clock, going to bed later than your body wants, screens before bed, stress, alcohol, and sometimes sleep apnoea or other conditions. Persistent night waking with unrefreshing sleep is worth mentioning to someone.

    What this does and does not tell you

    This is general information, not a diagnosis. Only a clinician can examine you, take your history and run tests. The same symptom has different causes in different people.

    If something is sudden, severe, or getting worse quickly, get medical advice rather than reading on.