When you can’t sleep, it can drive you and your sleeping partner to despair. Tossing and turning under the covers, and staring for hours at the clock are no fun. Then, in the morning, you feel absolutely exhausted. You’re grumpy, and you can’t focus. You probably can’t remember where you left your keys, and you’re already running late. Insomnia can make you miserable, and it can make you ill. But it can be beaten. We’ve got six simple tricks to help you beat your insomnia:
No Screens
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@homejobsbymom” hidden_hashtags=”#sleep #sleeping #insomnia”]Limiting screen time before bed can help you sleep SO much better![/tweetthis]
The TV and our tablets can be preventing us from falling asleep as quickly as we should be. Read a paper book instead. Don’t watch TV in bed. You can write in a journal to help you clarify your thoughts on the day. Perhaps you can do some gentle exercise or special bedtime Yoga poses?
Cool And Dark
Your bedroom plays a really important part in helping you stay asleep all night. Keep the temperature a little cooler in there. Use blackout blinds to prevent any light pollution getting in. Use the best memory foam pillow you can afford to ensure your neck is supported all night long. Sometimes sleeping alone for a few nights can help you get truly comfortable for a great sleep.
Don’t Give In
Even though you’re really tired, it can be better to stay up until a normal bedtime. Routine is everything when it comes to falling asleep. You need to set up certain triggers to help you mentally prepare for it. A warm bath followed by a good bedtime routine will help you settle. Choose a sensible time and always start your routine then every night, no matter what.
No Caffeine
Avoid caffeine after about 3 pm. You can find stimulants like caffeine in tea and coffee. Chocolate and candies can also stop you from falling asleep. Eat your largest meal in the evening, but don’t leave it too late. You want it to satisfy you but not keep you up all night with a gurgly tummy. Try to include all the main food groups in the meal, but don’t drink too much alcohol with it.
Exercise
It’s really important you give your body a great workout each day. Even if you are exhausted from a sleepless night, get plenty of fresh air, and do enough to work up a good sweat. A thirty-minute workout that leaves you feeling tired could be just the thing to help you sleep tonight. Try not to do anything strenuous after about 8 pm though.
Relax
Stress can cause insomnia. If you’re finding it tough at work right now, it’s time to take some leave. Meditation, Tai Chi and saunas can all help you relax. If you find your muscles are tense, book in for a long massage every couple of days until you’re over the stress.
A busy mind can prevent us falling asleep. And aching muscles can wake us up prematurely. It’s important to make sure you are comfortable all night long. Sleep well tonight with these six simple tricks to beat insomnia.
What helps you go to sleep?