Sleep is paramount to a number of important things such as safety, weight maintenance, memory and functioning as well as staving off a variety of diseases. Many of us realize the significance of getting a good night's sleep yet we consistently skimp on sleep due to commitments or plain old bad habits, keep reading to see if you're guilty of doing any of the 5 common causes that prevent you from getting the proper amount of shut-eye!

Too Much Caffeine

It's a vicious cycle, we drink our morning cup of java, soda or energy drink to get us going but if we have too much caffeine during the day or too late in the evening, it can cause us to toss and turn all night long!

It's nice to get a quick jolt of energy but there are nasty side effects to caffeine also such as shakiness, dehydration and there's also a link to caffeine and anxiety so be aware of your intake at all times.

Caffeine can require up to 8 hours before its effects wear off so even if you love having a caffeinated drink in the evening, remember that it can make your night ahead very difficult so opt for herbal tea or flavored water instead.

Irregular Schedules

Our bodies like consistency -- if we go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, it makes waking up early much easier and simple. If you're like many other Americans who have very irregular sleep schedules due to family, work or a very active social life, it can very well be the reason why you're unable to fall or stay asleep at night.

I get it, it's difficult to stick to a strict schedule when it comes to sleep because things always comes up, but one thing you can try to do is to avoid sleeping in on weekends and wake up at the same time you do as the weekdays. It's an easy way to make your weekdays mornings much painless!

Consistently Having Large Meals

I'm all for treating yourself to a decadent meal every now and then or a having an indulgent dessert but eating large, extravagant meals is a recipe for disaster when it comes to getting good sleep! Eating large meals can cause heart burn, indigestion as well as disturbed sleep.

With our busy lives oftentimes have to eat whenever we can, so just be conscious of what you're eating and the amount. Many of us have lost track of what a portion size is, so we can be regularly overeating without being aware of it. It's a good idea to measure out meals and avoid eating out of containers to not only sleep well but to be well.

Having a Night Cap

Many people enjoy a nice drink in the evening after a long day or even to help them fall asleep and although it can be somewhat useful in helping you relax or drift off to sleep, your adult beverage can be counterproductive to getting a good night's rest.

According to Medscape, alcohol metabolizes quickly which can lead to interrupted sleep or a decrease in time spent sleeping overall. If you like having wine or beer with dinner or frequently hit up happy hour with friends, be mindful of the amount of alcohol you have. There are always other options such as a decaf tea or warm milk that can also help you relax, so don't depend on your nightly night cap!

I realize this list appears to be very restrictive and boring however you can enjoy all of these things in moderation! You're unable to be your best self without properly recharging your batteries and resting up so ensure that you're providing yourself a good sleeping environment and remember to always consult your physician if you have frequent problems with sleep.