The first big reason is biology.
Your sleep-wake cycle is called the circadian rhythm and is controlled by an internal clock in your brain. This is a simplified answer as this process requires no less than 30 pathways to all be in balance with each other. But for most people, this clock works in sync with natural light; it makes you feel awake during the day and sleepy at night. However, things like artificial light and modern routines (like staying up late on screens or working odd hours) can confuse this system. When your brain thinks it’s still 'daytime', it delays the production of melatonin, the hormone that signals your body it’s time to sleep.

Another issue is stress and mental overload.
When you’re busy thinking about work, personal problems or other responsibilities, your brain stays active even when your body is tired. Stress causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that helps you stay alert, which can block your ability to relax and fall asleep. This is why people who feel anxious or overwhelmed often lie awake for hours, toss and turn and awake unrefreshed.

Next is technology.
The blue light emitted by phones, laptops and TVs doesn’t just keep your brain stimulated, it also suppresses melatonin production. The more you scroll through social media or watch videos before bed, the harder it becomes for your body to recognise that it’s time to wind down.

Lifestyle habits can also get in the way.
Things like consuming caffeine or sugar late in the day, eating rich curries, having inconsistent sleep schedules, or not getting enough physical activity can throw off your body’s natural rhythm. Even sleeping in too much on weekends can disrupt your weekday sleep patterns, creating something called 'social jet lag'.

Pain, inflammation and physical discomfort, which affect 30% of our population, impact sleep hormones and processes, interfering with our ability to fall into deep restorative sleep, resulting in us constantly hovering in a lighter, easily to wake state.

Finally, your sleep environment matters more than you might think. Factors like noise, light, temperature or an uncomfortable mattress can make it harder for your brain to relax fully. If your bedroom isn’t set up to be a calm, quiet space, it could be working against you.

In short, getting a good night’s sleep is tough because our modern life decisions collide with our physical ailments, restrictions and the demands we put on these precious bodies of ours.

To fix it, you must create a consistent sleep schedule, reduce screen time before bed, and improve your sleep environment, like keeping your room dark and cool.

We must also support ourselves physically and mentally with nourishing foods, balanced meals, regular eating times and adequate hydration, and ascertain what level of support our nervous systems need, then select expert-level sleep support supplements which are formulated based on science and decades of experience. Please do not opt for cheap one-hit wonders from the supplement section. You can’t activate GABA, facilitate delta sleep, get eight hours of perfect sleep architecture and wake ready to bounce out of bed with just one supplement you are trying to save money on. Your body doesn’t work that way - we look after our cars better! Sleep isn’t just about rest - it’s when your brain processes information, your body repairs itself, and you recharge for the next day. So prioritising it really does pay off!

Sleep is a complicated business. Please reach out to the team of sleep experts at SleepDrops. They will help you assess your individual sleep needs and come up with a viable supplement programme that suits your sleep needs, your budget and your personality.

For more information on all our expert sleep and stress support products please visit us at www.SleepDrops.co.nz or give us a call and talk to us directly at 0800 345 999.

Kirsten Taylor
Naturopathic Sleep Specialist, Managing Director, Founder
SleepDrops® International Ltd
09 418 0479
support@sleepdrops.co.nz
www.sleepdrops.co.nz