We all strive to wake up early and spend our day being productive. However, what happens when you struggle to stay asleep because you keep waking up, against your will? Waking up consistently in the early hours of the morning might be more than just an annoyance; it could be a warning sign of an underlying condition that is causing your body to wake up at odd hours and making you tired. Lots of us struggle with sleep. In fact, a recent survey found that almost a third of adults have trouble staying asleep most nights. If you often find yourself awake before your alarm, staring at the clock, you're not alone. This could be due to your thyroid gland Link Between Early Waking and Thyroid Health Many people struggle with sleep, with a recent survey done by sleep technology firm ‘Simba’, of 2,000 adults revealing that nearly a third of people experience difficulty staying asleep most or every night. Experts highlight that waking too early can point to an underactive or overactive thyroid. The thyroid is a vital gland in your neck that produces hormones regulating your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. These hormones also influence cognitive function and mood. Both an underactive or overactive thyroid can significantly disrupt sleep patterns. What are the Symptoms of Overactive Thyroid? According to the British Thyroid Foundation, when you frequently wake up early and struggle to fall back asleep, an overactive thyroid, which is also known as hyperthyroidism, could be the reason. On the other hand, if one has persistent fatigue an underactive thyroid, which is hypothyroidism, is more likely the cause. Simba's research indicates that 18% of adults feel constantly fatigued. Your thyroid hormones are really important for your circadian rhythm. This is your body's natural clock that tells you when to wake up and when to sleep. If your hormone levels are off, this clock gets messed up, leading to those early morning wakeups. Experts explain that cortisol helps you wake up in the morning. However, if your thyroid is overactive, it can mess with your body's stress response. This can make you wake up too early and feel restless. The big difference between just waking up early sometimes and a thyroid problem is when you have other symptoms too. These can include:Persistent fatigueUnexplained weight gain or lossFeeling excessively cold or overheatingIrregular periodsBrain fogMuscle achesDry skinChanges in appetiteWhat Does Treatment Look Like For It? The symptoms of thyroid problems often show up slowly over time. This can make them hard to spot because they can be similar to other health issues. Because of this, it can be tough to get a diagnosis right away. If you think you might have a thyroid problem, it's really important to see your doctor as soon as you can. They can do a simple blood test to check your thyroid levels. This test can easily tell if your thyroid is working correctly. The good news is that thyroid problems are treatable. Besides any medication your doctor might suggest, there are also some small changes you can make in your daily life that can really help manage your condition Maintain a regular and consistent sleep schedule.Engage in regular exercise.Consume the recommended five portions of fruits and vegetables daily.