Doctor explains common reason for poor nights' sleep hardly anyone knows

Dr Becky, a naturopathic doctor, has shared signs you may have low cortisol levels

If you're tossing and turning all night, it might be down to your cortisol levels, a medical expert has said. Dr Becky, a naturopathic doctor, has taken to TikTok to warn that low levels of the hormone could be the culprit behind your sleepless nights, and has identified ten key signs to look out for.

If you find yourself tossing and turning in bed, attributing it to stress, but also experiencing other symptoms that make it impossible to catch some shut-eye, it may be time to consult your GP. Dr Becky shared her advice on TikTok, highlighting ten indicators of low cortisol levels, which can lead to high blood pressure.

In a discussion about "sleep behaviors you should never ignore that actually mean you have high cortisol" levels, Dr Becky emphasized the importance of being aware of these signs.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone produced and released by the adrenal glands. This vital hormone affects nearly every organ and tissue in the body, performing numerous crucial functions, reports the Express.

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Cortisol plays a significant role in regulating blood pressure, with elevated levels potentially causing high blood pressure, while lower-than-normal levels can lead to low blood pressure. There are a multitude of factors that can interfere with a good night's kip, and the NHS highlights several on its website: "Some people are naturally lighter sleepers or take longer to get to sleep while others might sleep badly because of anxiety, worry over stressful events or other life challenges."

The health service elaborates: "There are lots of things that can influence how well we sleep, such as our current physical or mental health, our upbringing, things that happen to us, and even our temperament."

Moreover, it points out that "However, bad sleep habits or poor sleep hygiene, such as not relaxing or winding down before bed, often cause sleep problems."

The NHS also links insomnia with subpar slumber and underscores symptoms to watch for that might suggest you're battling sleep issues.