Short Sleep yet Mostly Healthy

i have suffered from short sleep . 2and 3 hour shifts.
for years. especially since quit drinking in the evening.
I read much of the sleep forum. some comment and question.
I wake up after 2 - 3 hours and wonder why. Sleeping again was rare.

- Sound
my apartment is usually quiet so light noise is noticeable. so maybe some noise -

did record my sleep sound with digital recorder to listen for breathing and other noise. discovered one source, old smoke alarm beeped at night.
just 2-3 beeps, enough to wake but not know what it was until this test. Also breathing sounded OK but not clear - nasal issue.

-Bladder
Also did not wake up from urge to pee, or any feeling of full bladder. but... started to get up and pee anyway. Finally able to go back to sleep more often.

-- Fitness
Added more exercise. Long walks, when tired walk a little more to improve endurance.
Started some yoga and other in house simple exercise- not consistent. but try.
Tired from exercise - I sleep better.

-- Breathing
Thought previously that sudafed would keep me up. the clogged nose was more of a problem than the sudafed. also use some Nasacort to relieve the intense southern seasonal allergy. Also some nasal flush. Always shower after going outside for a while during pollen season.
Breathing better helped.

- Sleep Posture
Sleep better with some back and head elevation, Many Pillows is working for now.

- Climate - live in hot south.
Spend a little more on AC, cooler is better.

So summary, sleep improved,
1. beeping found
2. empty bladder when waking - regardless of feeling.
3. Exercise helps.
4. Breathing was an issue, allergies and congestion.
5. elevation like wedge with many pillows.
6. Cooler Room

thanks to this forum, some reading and reflection here.
and my multiple minor issues had a major effect.
Still not long sleeping
6 -8 hours. but improved,
3-6 hours is better than 2-3 hours. Really welcome that.

thanks to others for sharing and hope you find better sleep.
FrankOT