Have you ever woken up with bruises and couldn’t remember how you got them? You’re not alone. While bruising is usually associated with trauma, there are several reasons why you may be waking up with bruises.

Here are seven surprising reasons why:.

1. Aging and Thin Skin

As we age, our skin becomes thinner and loses elasticity, making it easier to bruise. This is because the protective layer of fat below the skin becomes thinner and there is less support for the blood vessels.

So, even minor bumps or pressure can cause bruising, particularly in older individuals.

2. Nutrient Deficiencies

If you have nutrient deficiencies, such as low levels of vitamin C, K, or B12, you may be more susceptible to bruising. Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation, which is an important component of the blood vessels.

Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting. And vitamin B12 is important for the production of red blood cells, which help to transport oxygen throughout the body.

3. Medications

Some medications, such as blood thinners, can increase your risk for bruising. Blood thinners work by preventing blood clots from forming, which can help to prevent heart attacks and strokes.

However, these medications can also make it easier for blood vessels to rupture, leading to bruising. Other medications, such as steroids and aspirin, can also increase your risk for bruising.

Related Article 10 unexpected causes of bruising easily

4. Sleep Disorders

Do you snore or have trouble breathing at night? You may have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes brief pauses in breathing during sleep, which can reduce the amount of oxygen in your blood.

This can weaken your blood vessels and make it easier to bruise.

5. Exercise

If you’re starting a new exercise program or have increased your intensity or duration, you may notice more bruises. This is because exercise causes microtrauma to the muscles and blood vessels, which can result in bruising.

However, this type of bruising is usually mild and goes away within a few days.

6. Sun Damage

Exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can also cause bruising. Sun damage weakens the blood vessels and can make them more prone to rupture, leading to bruising.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors, be sure to protect your skin with sunscreen and wear protective clothing.

7. Blood Disorders

In some cases, unexplained bruising can be a sign of an underlying blood disorder, such as leukemia or von Willebrand disease.

If you’re experiencing frequent or severe bruising, it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider to rule out any serious medical conditions.