What are the possible causes of feeling generally unwell and restless at night?

May 11, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
The causes of feeling generally unwell and restless at night are usually divided into physiological and pathological factors. Common pathological causes include anxiety disorder and hyperthyroidism. Additionally, conditions such as neurasthenia, myocarditis, cardiac neurosis, and coronary heart disease may also lead to symptoms of general discomfort and restlessness, requiring prompt medical evaluation and treatment.

  The common causes of general discomfort and restlessness at night can usually be divided into physiological and pathological factors. Among them, common pathological causes include anxiety disorder and hyperthyroidism. The details are as follows:
  1. Physiological Causes
  Excessive fatigue recently, or experiencing sad or distressing events, may lead to excessive mental stress, resulting in feelings of irritability and discomfort. In such cases, one should focus on relaxing both body and mind, and engage in aerobic exercises such as jogging or swimming to help alleviate symptoms.
  2. Pathological Causes
  1) Anxiety Disorder
  Anxiety disorder is primarily characterized by persistent feelings of anxiety, often accompanied by symptoms of autonomic nervous system dysfunction. These may include sudden heart palpitations and restlessness at night, as well as other systemic discomforts such as dizziness and chest tightness. It is important to follow medical advice and use medications such as paroxetine hydrochloride tablets or escitalopram oxalate tablets for proper treatment.
  2) Hyperthyroidism
  In patients with hyperthyroidism, excess thyroid hormones in the body may cause nervous system overexcitement and increased metabolism, stimulating cardiac tissue and leading to symptoms such as palpitations and restlessness. This may also result in overall discomfort at night and difficulty sleeping. In such cases, medications such as methimazole tablets, propylthiouracil tablets, or Jiakangling tablets may be prescribed under medical guidance.
  Additionally, conditions such as neurasthenia, myocarditis, cardiac neurosis, and coronary heart disease may also cause symptoms of general discomfort and restlessness, requiring timely medical evaluation and treatment. Daily diet should be light and easy to digest. Adequate rest and sufficient sleep should be ensured in daily life.