Is there a magic spell keeping me awake? Is there a counter-spell that I can cast to get to sleep? How can you help yourself get the rest you need? Obviously there isn’t some kind of a magic trick that goes into solving insomnia, but you can find a lot of good ideas below.
If you work on your computer or play video games before bed, it may keep you awake. You will not achieve a relaxed state of sleeping if you continue to engage in these activities.
Limit your consumption of food and fluids as you prepare for bed. Eating stimulates your digestive system and drinking before bed can cause you to wake so you can use the bathroom. Try not to consume anything, therefore, at least 90 minutes before sleep. Eating late may cause extra dreaming, too.
Create a regular bedtime routine if you find yourself with insomnia frequently. Your routine will be a cue for your body and mind that’s it is time to get some sleep. Upon completing each part of the ritual, you’ll notice an onset of drowsiness.
If you have trouble sleeping at night, think about exposing yourself to daylight during the day. Go outside for lunch and get some sun. This helps your body produce melatonin to help you sleep easier.
RLS (Restless Legs Syndrome) can make your legs feel uncomfortable. They can hurt, twitch, or they may require you to move them constantly. This can lead to insomnia, but it is nothing your doctor can’t help you get through.
If you have troubles with insomnia, talk to your doctor. Generally, insomnia doesn’t last. However, it can be an indication of a medical problem. Visit your doctor and tell him about your symptoms. Only a doctor is qualified to rule out any major medical problems.
Bedrooms are for sleeping and getting dressed, period. If you work there or get into arguments with your partner there, your brain will start to make the association. You can make your brain realize that this is where you should sleep and do nothing else.
Start writing down your daily habits. Make a note of foods you have eaten, if you have exercised, and how you are feeling. Compare your notes to how you sleep at night. When you understand the factors that get you less rest or more, you can make the changes you need.
Not only can smoking ruin you health wise, it can make you not able to sleep that well either. Grabbing a cigarette makes your heart race and it is a stimulant for your body. There are a multitude of reasons why you really should stop smoking. Getting better sleep and falling asleep quicker is just an added benefit.
A little experimentation with your regular wake-up time may help you deal with problems getting to sleep in the evenings. See if waking up a half an hour earlier helps you sleep come nighttime. Once your body adjusts to the new bedtime, you will be able to return to your old morning wake up time.
Your sleep environment may be causing your insomnia. Are you in a cool, quiet and dark room? It is possible for excessive heat, noise or light to play a large role in keeping you awake. White noise helps to drown out the sounds of traffic, pets, and other things that might keep you from drifting off to sleep. A ceiling fan or white noise machine both work well for this problem. Having a fan can also help you stay cool. Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask if you need to block light.
What helps others may not help you, but that does not mean you should not try. Eventually, you will find something that works for you, so just keep plugging away at finding something that gives you a good night’s sleep. Sleep is yours if you try hard enough!