Insomnia is a huge problem. Not only is it a condition that many people suffer from, it also affects productivity. If you are chronically sleep deprived, it can adversely affect your health. So if you are in need of some help to get to sleep, then these tips below are just right for you.
Monitor the air flow and temperature in your sleeping quarters. A room that is too hot or cold can make anyone feel uncomfortable. This can make sleeping even more difficult. Reduce the temperature if you are unsure what setting to keep it at. Layer the blankets on your bed so they can be removed if necessary.
You can invite sleep in by creating a dark, soothing atmosphere in your bedroom. Be sure to get shades or curtains that block any outside light. Try some soothing music, or a CD with ocean or bird sound effects. Read a relaxing book. Find what works for you, and create a habit of it. You will learn to associate these activities with sleep.
Incorporate some exercise into your day. Insomnia actually affects people that have office jobs more often than it does those with jobs that are physically demanding. You need to get your body tired to sleep well. Try walking a mile or more once you arrive home from work.
Be more proactive about the stress in your life, if you suffer from chronic insomnia. Stress is a leading cause of insomnia, so start eliminating the sources whenever possible, and do things for yourself that alleviate stress. Meditation or yoga can help, as can other forms of regular exercise. The less you stress, the more you sleep.
Create a routine. Your body is a creature of habit. I like routines. So if you can create a daily sleeping routine and stick with it, you may find that insomnia becomes a thing of the past. But be careful, breaking out of the routine can trigger insomnia if you aren’t careful.
Magnesium is a mineral that may help you fall asleep. Magnesium can stimulate healthy sleep and affects neurotransmitters in your brain. Foods rich in magnesium include black beans, green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds and halibut. Magnesium also provides the extra benefit of relieving muscle cramps.
Sticking to a schedule could be the key to restful and lengthy sleep. It’s always tempting to sleep in on the weekends, but this could make insomnia worse. Instead, pick a bedtime and a wake-up time and stick to it. This will train your brain to sleep when it needs to, for as long as it needs to.
If you are waking up because your legs are uncomfortable, talk to your doctor about restless leg syndrome. There are a myriad of causes for this disorder, but sadly, there is no cure. There are some strategies which can help, such as exercise, calcium/magnesium supplements and even smoking marijuana, and your doctor can advise you on what to try.
Some people don’t like milk or are trying to keep dairy out of their diet. If this is the case with you, then you need to check into drinking certain teas with all-natural ingredients. Camomile, catnip, fennel and anise tea are some of the favorites when helping people to relax.
Don’t drink alcohol to help you sleep. While alcohol is a depressant, and can make you sleepy, after the alcohol has metabolized your body feels awake again. If you drink moderately in the evenings, make sure you leave about two hours for the alcohol to metabolize fully. Then try warm milk.
If you have trouble falling asleep at night, try keeping yourself on a regular sleep schedule. A regular sleep schedule is crucial if you are having trouble falling asleep. When you go to bed at about the same time on a daily basis, your body will be programmed to sleep better and fall asleep quicker.
If your partner’s snoring is keeping you up at night, get them to the doctor. Sleep apnea can cause your loved one to sputter and snore all night long, meaning you’re not the only one who wakes up feeling lethargic! Apnea can lead to major health issues, so get their problem diagnosed as soon as possible.
If you find you are tired during the day, consider taking a ten minute nap in the afternoon. This can rejuvenate you just enough to give you energy, but it won’t cause you to not be able to fall asleep at night. If you stick to a routine, that will help even more.
Exercise during the day. Exercise is a great way to get your body into shape, but it is also good for exhausting your body. A tired body has an easier time falling asleep at night. Aim for at least half an hour of exercise each day. Just be careful not to exercise too close to bedtime.
Make sure that you are getting plenty of regular exercise to help reduce or eliminate your insomnia. Studies have shown that people who get plenty of exercise enjoy higher quality sleep. However, you should not exercise in the evening before bed. The exercise can stimulate you and make it harder to fall asleep.
Don’t go over things again and again in your head when you are trying to fall asleep. If you can’t stop the thoughts in your head, write them down. Often they are the solvable problems that cause stress during the day. Try to take care of those issues then so you can sleep better at night.
Turn off all electronics two hours before bedtime. The blue light created from electronics causes your body not to realize it is time for bed. During the two hours before bedtime, you should read or enjoy a relaxing soak in the bathtub. This will help your body get ready for bed.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of things you can do to help you get sleep. Using the tips from above can help you beat insomnia. So don’t toss and turn all night. Take action and put these tips to good use. You will find that you are soon sleeping like a baby.
