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| Meta Title | Tossing and Turning at Night: Causes and Prevention |
| Meta Description | Anxiety, stress, and overstimulation are just some of the factors that can cause tossing and turning at night. We’ll review all the potential causes and what you can do to prevent this nightly occurrence. |
| Meta Canonical | null |
| Boilerpipe Text | There are many reasons why you might toss and turn all night, such as feeling anxious, being overstimulated, having an underlying medical condition, and more. Let’s take a look at some of these causes.
Feeling anxious
If you have an
anxiety disorder
, increased anxiety at night can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In one
2017 study
, researchers found that
somatic
anxiety has a significant negative impact on sleep quality. An anxious, racing mind can also make your body feel restless, which may cause you to toss and turn more than normal.
Feeling stressed
Stress
can cause both mental and physical symptoms that may make it harder to fall asleep. For example, if you have tense muscles due to stress, you might find it more difficult for your body to relax in bed at night.
In another
2017 study
, researchers discovered that higher stress levels were significantly associated with poorer sleep quality in medical students.
Being overstimulated
According to the
National Sleep Foundation
, the blue light that’s emitted from phones, TVs, and other electronic devices can delay the sleep hormone melatonin.
In addition, loud noises and bright lights from inside and outside of your bedroom can also stimulate your senses, causing you to toss and turn more.
Inconsistent sleep schedule
Going to bed when you’re not tired, as well as going to bed too late, or even too early, can all affect your quality of sleep.
If you’re not tired enough, or even too tired, by the time you get in bed, you may find it hard to relax and fall asleep. The same can happen when you are on an abnormal sleep schedule.
Oversleeping before bed
Research
has shown that short naps during the day are beneficial for our health. However,
napping
too much during the day can make it more difficult to get to sleep at night.
If you
oversleep
by a few hours in the afternoon, your body may not be fully ready to sleep again by the time you hit the hay. This can leave you feeling restless as you lay in bed at night.
Imbalanced diet
Having a balanced diet can have a positive impact on your sleep quality. Nutrients from food play a huge role in the production of the sleep hormone
melatonin
, as well as other important
neurotransmitters
that help regulate sleep.
An imbalance in these nutrients can lead to poor sleep quality and trouble falling asleep.
Underlying medical conditions
There are many underlying
medical conditions
that can lead to poor sleep quality, with the most common being restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and insomnia.
Restless leg syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS)
is a condition that causes the overwhelming urge to move your legs. With RLS, the sensation most commonly appears when your body is at rest, such as lying down in bed. The constant need for movement can lead to frequent tossing and turning at night.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea
is another condition that can cause tossing and turning at night. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing becomes interrupted during sleep. This can cause you to toss, turn, and wake up frequently throughout the night.
Insomnia
Insomnia
is a condition characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. There are many causes for insomnia, including other underlying physical or mental health conditions. If you have insomnia, you may find yourself moving around a lot in bed, unable to get to sleep.
Some chronic pain conditions, such as
arthritis
and
fibromyalgia
, can also make it difficult to get comfortable in bed at night.
If you’re frequently tossing and turning when you finally get into bed at night, a good
sleep hygiene
routine can go a long way.
Create a comfortable bedroom.
The first step in practicing
good sleep hygiene
is to create a bedroom that you feel comfortable sleeping in. Purchasing a high-quality bed and bedding can help give your body a comfortable place to sleep each night.
Practice relaxation techniques.
Relaxation techniques
have been shown to reduce both the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety and stress. You can practice
deep breathing
,
meditation
, visualizing, or even
grounding
techniques to help your body relax and get ready for sleep.
Turn off the electronics.
Try to stop using your electronics at least an hour before bed to give your body and mind time to prepare for sleep. That means putting away the phone and opting for something easier on the eyes, such as a good book.
Stay active during the day.
Regular exercise
has been shown to improve sleep quality and help your body relax when it’s finally bedtime. If you find that you constantly have a lot of energy at the end of the night, moving your body throughout the day can help.
Follow a consistent sleep schedule.
There are many factors that can have a negative impact on our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, from traveling to staying up too late. Following a
sleep schedule
can help keep your body relaxed and ready to sleep at the same time each night.
Eat a balanced diet.
Having a balanced diet that includes all the carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients your body needs is important for sleep. Don’t forget to incorporate foods that are high in tryptophan, magnesium, B vitamins, and other sleep hormone-promoting nutrients.
Other causes of poor sleep and frequent tossing and turning, such as sleep apnea and insomnia, can be managed with the help of a medical professional.
If you’ve taken all the necessary steps to improve your sleep hygiene and still find yourself tossing and turning at night, it may be time to see a doctor.
They’ll evaluate your medical history and ask you questions about your lifestyle and
sleep habits
. They may also perform a series of tests, such as a
sleep study
, to determine if there are underlying medical conditions.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a condition that could be causing poor sleep, finding a treatment plan is the next step.
Tossing and turning at night can cause a decrease in sleep quality and quality of life.
There are many reasons for tossing and turning at night, including poor sleep hygiene, an unbalanced diet, and even underlying medical conditions.
Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as turning off electronics and keeping a consistent sleep schedule, can help you stop tossing and turning so much at night.
If you’re worried that an underlying medical condition is causing you to toss and turn all night, schedule a visit with your doctor for more help. |
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# How to Stop Tossing and Turning at Night

[Medically reviewed]() by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C]() — Written by [Eleesha Lockett, MS]() — [Updated on February 26, 2026]()
- [Causes](https://www.healthline.com/health/tossing-and-turning#causes)
- [Prevention](https://www.healthline.com/health/tossing-and-turning#prevention)
- [When to seek help](https://www.healthline.com/health/tossing-and-turning#when-to-seek-help)
- [Takeaway](https://www.healthline.com/health/tossing-and-turning#takeaway)
### Key takeaways
- Tossing and turning at night can be linked to anxiety, stress, overstimulation from noise or screens, or an inconsistent sleep schedule that disrupts sleep quality.
- Daytime habits like long naps and an imbalanced diet may make it harder to fall asleep, and medical conditions like restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and insomnia can also play a role.
- Better sleep hygiene can help, including creating a comfortable bedroom, using relaxation techniques, turning off electronics an hour before bed, staying active, and keeping a consistent sleep schedule.
Spending hours tossing and turning at night when you’re trying to fall asleep is uncomfortable, disruptive, and downright frustrating.
Anxiety, stress, and overstimulation are just some of the factors that can cause an increase in tossing and turning at night.
In this article, we’ll explore why you might be tossing and turning so much at night and how to make it stop.
## [What causes you to toss and turn all night?]()
There are many reasons why you might toss and turn all night, such as feeling anxious, being overstimulated, having an underlying medical condition, and more. Let’s take a look at some of these causes.
### Feeling anxious
If you have an [anxiety disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/anxiety-at-night), increased anxiety at night can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In one [2017 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6074813/), researchers found that [somatic](https://www.healthline.com/health/somatic-symptom-disorder) anxiety has a significant negative impact on sleep quality. An anxious, racing mind can also make your body feel restless, which may cause you to toss and turn more than normal.
### Feeling stressed
[Stress](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body) can cause both mental and physical symptoms that may make it harder to fall asleep. For example, if you have tense muscles due to stress, you might find it more difficult for your body to relax in bed at night.
In another [2017 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28756825), researchers discovered that higher stress levels were significantly associated with poorer sleep quality in medical students.
### **Being overstimulated**
According to the [National Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-blue-light-affects-kids-sleep), the blue light that’s emitted from phones, TVs, and other electronic devices can delay the sleep hormone melatonin.
In addition, loud noises and bright lights from inside and outside of your bedroom can also stimulate your senses, causing you to toss and turn more.
### **Inconsistent sleep schedule**
Going to bed when you’re not tired, as well as going to bed too late, or even too early, can all affect your quality of sleep.
If you’re not tired enough, or even too tired, by the time you get in bed, you may find it hard to relax and fall asleep. The same can happen when you are on an abnormal sleep schedule.
### Oversleeping before bed
[Research](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-should-i-nap#benefits) has shown that short naps during the day are beneficial for our health. However, [napping](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/afternoon-naps-can-boost-your-mental-agility-heres-why) too much during the day can make it more difficult to get to sleep at night.
If you [oversleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/oversleeping) by a few hours in the afternoon, your body may not be fully ready to sleep again by the time you hit the hay. This can leave you feeling restless as you lay in bed at night.
### **Imbalanced diet**
Having a balanced diet can have a positive impact on your sleep quality. Nutrients from food play a huge role in the production of the sleep hormone [melatonin](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-foods-to-help-you-sleep), as well as other important [neurotransmitters](https://www.healthline.com/health/dopamine-vs-serotonin) that help regulate sleep.
An imbalance in these nutrients can lead to poor sleep quality and trouble falling asleep.
### Underlying medical conditions
There are many underlying [medical conditions](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders) that can lead to poor sleep quality, with the most common being restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and insomnia.
#### Restless leg syndrome
[Restless legs syndrome (RLS)](https://www.healthline.com/health/restless-leg-syndrome#symptoms-of-restless-leg-syndrome) is a condition that causes the overwhelming urge to move your legs. With RLS, the sensation most commonly appears when your body is at rest, such as lying down in bed. The constant need for movement can lead to frequent tossing and turning at night.
#### Sleep apnea
[Sleep apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-sleep-apnea#adults) is another condition that can cause tossing and turning at night. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing becomes interrupted during sleep. This can cause you to toss, turn, and wake up frequently throughout the night.
#### Insomnia
[Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia) is a condition characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. There are many causes for insomnia, including other underlying physical or mental health conditions. If you have insomnia, you may find yourself moving around a lot in bed, unable to get to sleep.
Some chronic pain conditions, such as [arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis) and [fibromyalgia](https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia), can also make it difficult to get comfortable in bed at night.
## [How to stop tossing and turning at night]()
If you’re frequently tossing and turning when you finally get into bed at night, a good [sleep hygiene](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-tips-to-sleep-better) routine can go a long way.
- **Create a comfortable bedroom.** The first step in practicing [good sleep hygiene](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-hygiene) is to create a bedroom that you feel comfortable sleeping in. Purchasing a high-quality bed and bedding can help give your body a comfortable place to sleep each night.
- **Practice relaxation techniques.** [Relaxation techniques](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-exercises#breathe) have been shown to reduce both the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety and stress. You can practice [deep breathing](https://www.healthline.com/health/diaphragmatic-breathing), [meditation](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation), visualizing, or even [grounding](https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques) techniques to help your body relax and get ready for sleep.
- **Turn off the electronics.** Try to stop using your electronics at least an hour before bed to give your body and mind time to prepare for sleep. That means putting away the phone and opting for something easier on the eyes, such as a good book.
- **Stay active during the day.** [Regular exercise](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise#section8) has been shown to improve sleep quality and help your body relax when it’s finally bedtime. If you find that you constantly have a lot of energy at the end of the night, moving your body throughout the day can help.
- **Follow a consistent sleep schedule.** There are many factors that can have a negative impact on our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, from traveling to staying up too late. Following a [sleep schedule](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/how-to-fix-sleep-schedule) can help keep your body relaxed and ready to sleep at the same time each night.
- **Eat a balanced diet.** Having a balanced diet that includes all the carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients your body needs is important for sleep. Don’t forget to incorporate foods that are high in tryptophan, magnesium, B vitamins, and other sleep hormone-promoting nutrients.
Other causes of poor sleep and frequent tossing and turning, such as sleep apnea and insomnia, can be managed with the help of a medical professional.
## [When to see a doctor]()
If you’ve taken all the necessary steps to improve your sleep hygiene and still find yourself tossing and turning at night, it may be time to see a doctor.
They’ll evaluate your medical history and ask you questions about your lifestyle and [sleep habits](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/how-to-fix-sleep-schedule). They may also perform a series of tests, such as a [sleep study](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-test#in-lab-sleep-study), to determine if there are underlying medical conditions.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a condition that could be causing poor sleep, finding a treatment plan is the next step.
## [Takeaway]()
Tossing and turning at night can cause a decrease in sleep quality and quality of life.
There are many reasons for tossing and turning at night, including poor sleep hygiene, an unbalanced diet, and even underlying medical conditions.
Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as turning off electronics and keeping a consistent sleep schedule, can help you stop tossing and turning so much at night.
If you’re worried that an underlying medical condition is causing you to toss and turn all night, schedule a visit with your doctor for more help.
### How we reviewed this article:
Sources
History
Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our [editorial policy](https://www.healthline.com/about/process).
- Almojali AI, et al. (2017). The prevalence and association of stress with sleep quality among medical students. DOI:
<https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28756825>
- Gould CE, et al. (2017). Association of anxiety symptom clusters with sleep quality and daytime sleepiness. DOI:
<https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbx020>
- How blue light affects kids and sleep. (n.d.).
<https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-blue-light-affects-kids-sleep>
- How does a sleep study work? (n.d.).
<https://www.sleepfoundation.org/excessive-sleepiness/diagnosis/how-does-sleep-study-work>
Share this article

Medically reviewed by [Thomas Johnson, PA-C](https://www.healthline.com/reviewers/thomas-johnson-pa-c) — Written by [Eleesha Lockett, MS](https://www.healthline.com/authors/eleesha-lockett) — Updated on February 26, 2026
## More in [Sleep Apnea from Diagnosis to Treatment](https://www.healthline.com/program/sleep-apnea-from-diagnosis-to-treatment)
- [Obstructive Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/obstructive-sleep-apnea)
- [The Complex Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-gain)
- [10+ Signs of Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-sleep-apnea)
- [5 Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-treatment)
- [View all](https://www.healthline.com/program/sleep-apnea-from-diagnosis-to-treatment)
### Read this next
- [Obstructive Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/obstructive-sleep-apnea?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Learn about obstructive sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing stops involuntarily for brief periods of time during sleep.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/obstructive-sleep-apnea?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/obstructive-sleep-apnea?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [The Complex Relationship Between Sleep Apnea and Weight Gain](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-gain?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Excess weight can be a cause of sleep apnea, but gaining weight can also be a symptom. Let's discuss how these conditions affect each other.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-gain?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-gain?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [10+ Signs of Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-sleep-apnea?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Learn about the signs and symptoms of sleep apnea in adults, as well as in children and toddlers, and when to contact a doctor.](https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-sleep-apnea?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-sleep-apnea?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [5 Treatment Options for Sleep Apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Treatment for sleep apnea aims to improve your breathing during sleep. Common options include CPAP machines, oral devices, and lifestyle measures.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-treatment?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [How Much Does Weight Loss Help with Sleep Apnea?](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-loss?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Learn how weight loss can affect your course of sleep apnea and the need for a CPAP device.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-loss?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/sleep-apnea-weight-loss?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [The Effects of Sleep Apnea on the Body](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/effects-on-body?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Sleep apnea causes you to wake up during the night, leading to sleep deprivation and other effects on the body.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/effects-on-body?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea/effects-on-body?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [What Can Cause Sleep Apnea?](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-causes?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Sleep apnea affects how well you breathe at night. The cause can depend on the type of sleep apnea you’re experiencing.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-causes?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-causes?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [How Does Sleep Apnea Affect Diabetes?](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/sleep-apnea-and-diabetes?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder that is common in people with diabetes and can make managing glucose levels more difficult.](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/sleep-apnea-and-diabetes?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/sleep-apnea-and-diabetes?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [Sleep Apnea Medications: 3 types](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-medications?utm_source=ReadNext)
[If you have sleep apnea, several medications may help you manage symptoms. Learn more about the different types.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-medications?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-medications?utm_source=ReadNext)
- [Sleep Disorders](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders?utm_source=ReadNext)
[Sleep disorders are conditions that affect the ability to sleep well on a regular basis. Learn about sleep disorder symptoms, types, and treatment.](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders?utm_source=ReadNext)
[READ MORE](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders?utm_source=ReadNext)
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© 2026 Healthline Media LLC. All rights reserved. Healthline Media is an RVO Health Company. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. [See additional information](https://www.healthline.com/additional-information).
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| Readable Markdown | There are many reasons why you might toss and turn all night, such as feeling anxious, being overstimulated, having an underlying medical condition, and more. Let’s take a look at some of these causes.
Feeling anxious
If you have an [anxiety disorder](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/anxiety-at-night), increased anxiety at night can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.
In one [2017 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6074813/), researchers found that [somatic](https://www.healthline.com/health/somatic-symptom-disorder) anxiety has a significant negative impact on sleep quality. An anxious, racing mind can also make your body feel restless, which may cause you to toss and turn more than normal.
Feeling stressed
[Stress](https://www.healthline.com/health/stress/effects-on-body) can cause both mental and physical symptoms that may make it harder to fall asleep. For example, if you have tense muscles due to stress, you might find it more difficult for your body to relax in bed at night.
In another [2017 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28756825), researchers discovered that higher stress levels were significantly associated with poorer sleep quality in medical students.
**Being overstimulated**
According to the [National Sleep Foundation](https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/how-blue-light-affects-kids-sleep), the blue light that’s emitted from phones, TVs, and other electronic devices can delay the sleep hormone melatonin.
In addition, loud noises and bright lights from inside and outside of your bedroom can also stimulate your senses, causing you to toss and turn more.
**Inconsistent sleep schedule**
Going to bed when you’re not tired, as well as going to bed too late, or even too early, can all affect your quality of sleep.
If you’re not tired enough, or even too tired, by the time you get in bed, you may find it hard to relax and fall asleep. The same can happen when you are on an abnormal sleep schedule.
Oversleeping before bed
[Research](https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-should-i-nap#benefits) has shown that short naps during the day are beneficial for our health. However, [napping](https://www.healthline.com/health-news/afternoon-naps-can-boost-your-mental-agility-heres-why) too much during the day can make it more difficult to get to sleep at night.
If you [oversleep](https://www.healthline.com/health/oversleeping) by a few hours in the afternoon, your body may not be fully ready to sleep again by the time you hit the hay. This can leave you feeling restless as you lay in bed at night.
**Imbalanced diet**
Having a balanced diet can have a positive impact on your sleep quality. Nutrients from food play a huge role in the production of the sleep hormone [melatonin](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/9-foods-to-help-you-sleep), as well as other important [neurotransmitters](https://www.healthline.com/health/dopamine-vs-serotonin) that help regulate sleep.
An imbalance in these nutrients can lead to poor sleep quality and trouble falling asleep.
Underlying medical conditions
There are many underlying [medical conditions](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep/disorders) that can lead to poor sleep quality, with the most common being restless legs syndrome, sleep apnea, and insomnia.
Restless leg syndrome
[Restless legs syndrome (RLS)](https://www.healthline.com/health/restless-leg-syndrome#symptoms-of-restless-leg-syndrome) is a condition that causes the overwhelming urge to move your legs. With RLS, the sensation most commonly appears when your body is at rest, such as lying down in bed. The constant need for movement can lead to frequent tossing and turning at night.
Sleep apnea
[Sleep apnea](https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-sleep-apnea#adults) is another condition that can cause tossing and turning at night. When you have sleep apnea, your breathing becomes interrupted during sleep. This can cause you to toss, turn, and wake up frequently throughout the night.
Insomnia
[Insomnia](https://www.healthline.com/health/insomnia) is a condition characterized by the inability to fall asleep or stay asleep. There are many causes for insomnia, including other underlying physical or mental health conditions. If you have insomnia, you may find yourself moving around a lot in bed, unable to get to sleep.
Some chronic pain conditions, such as [arthritis](https://www.healthline.com/health/arthritis) and [fibromyalgia](https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia), can also make it difficult to get comfortable in bed at night.
If you’re frequently tossing and turning when you finally get into bed at night, a good [sleep hygiene](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-tips-to-sleep-better) routine can go a long way.
- **Create a comfortable bedroom.** The first step in practicing [good sleep hygiene](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-hygiene) is to create a bedroom that you feel comfortable sleeping in. Purchasing a high-quality bed and bedding can help give your body a comfortable place to sleep each night.
- **Practice relaxation techniques.** [Relaxation techniques](https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety-exercises#breathe) have been shown to reduce both the physical and mental symptoms of anxiety and stress. You can practice [deep breathing](https://www.healthline.com/health/diaphragmatic-breathing), [meditation](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation), visualizing, or even [grounding](https://www.healthline.com/health/grounding-techniques) techniques to help your body relax and get ready for sleep.
- **Turn off the electronics.** Try to stop using your electronics at least an hour before bed to give your body and mind time to prepare for sleep. That means putting away the phone and opting for something easier on the eyes, such as a good book.
- **Stay active during the day.** [Regular exercise](https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-exercise#section8) has been shown to improve sleep quality and help your body relax when it’s finally bedtime. If you find that you constantly have a lot of energy at the end of the night, moving your body throughout the day can help.
- **Follow a consistent sleep schedule.** There are many factors that can have a negative impact on our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, from traveling to staying up too late. Following a [sleep schedule](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/how-to-fix-sleep-schedule) can help keep your body relaxed and ready to sleep at the same time each night.
- **Eat a balanced diet.** Having a balanced diet that includes all the carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and other nutrients your body needs is important for sleep. Don’t forget to incorporate foods that are high in tryptophan, magnesium, B vitamins, and other sleep hormone-promoting nutrients.
Other causes of poor sleep and frequent tossing and turning, such as sleep apnea and insomnia, can be managed with the help of a medical professional.
If you’ve taken all the necessary steps to improve your sleep hygiene and still find yourself tossing and turning at night, it may be time to see a doctor.
They’ll evaluate your medical history and ask you questions about your lifestyle and [sleep habits](https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sleep/how-to-fix-sleep-schedule). They may also perform a series of tests, such as a [sleep study](https://www.healthline.com/health/sleep-apnea-test#in-lab-sleep-study), to determine if there are underlying medical conditions.
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a condition that could be causing poor sleep, finding a treatment plan is the next step.
Tossing and turning at night can cause a decrease in sleep quality and quality of life.
There are many reasons for tossing and turning at night, including poor sleep hygiene, an unbalanced diet, and even underlying medical conditions.
Practicing good sleep hygiene, such as turning off electronics and keeping a consistent sleep schedule, can help you stop tossing and turning so much at night.
If you’re worried that an underlying medical condition is causing you to toss and turn all night, schedule a visit with your doctor for more help. |
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