# Factors influencing sleep disturbances > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/factors-influencing-sleep-disturbances > Updated: 2026-11-01T19:55:14.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. Sleep disturbances, such as nighttime waking and difficulty returning to sleep, are linked to various lifestyle, environmental, and psychological factors. Stress and anxiety are noted as primary contributors that prevent the brain from relaxing. Environmental elements, including noise, light, temperature, and even regional power outages affecting ventilation, also impact sleep quality. Dietary habits, specifically the consumption of caffeine late in the day or alcohol, can disrupt sleep cycles. While alcohol may initially induce sleepiness, it often results in fragmented and lighter sleep. Recent trends show an increase in the use of wearable technology, such as smartwatches, to monitor sleep duration and cycles like REM and deep sleep. However, experts caution that these devices are not medical grade and cannot measure brain activity. There are also concerns that an obsession with tracking sleep metrics may inadvertently lead to further sleep disturbances. ## Timeline ### 2026-11-01: Sleep patterns and the impact of wearable technology Factors like stress and anxiety can cause frequent nighttime awakenings, while the use of smartwatches to monitor sleep cycles raises questions about data accuracy and potential obsession. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sleep-patterns-and-the-impact-of-wearable-technology ### 2026-10-25: Factors contributing to nighttime waking and sleep disturbances Common causes for waking up during the night and struggling to fall back asleep include stress, anxiety, uncomfortable environments, alcohol consumption, and late-day caffeine intake. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/factors-contributing-to-nighttime-waking-and-sleep-disturbances --- Cite as: Factors influencing sleep disturbances. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/factors-influencing-sleep-disturbances