Tips to Quiet Your Mind and Find Some Sleep!
By Donna Stark
Everybody loves a competitive race. Whether you are participating in one or simply watching it from a set of bleachers, a good race is always something to look forward to. But there are some races that most people don't enjoy and try to avoid as much as possible. I'm talking about the ones that occur at night, when you lie awake in bed trying your best to turn your brain off, to slow down the thoughts from bumping into one another, to find the sleep that continues to evade you. I'm talking about those nights that you can't seem to keep your mind from racing so much. Yes, races are good, but not when it is time to sleep.
Don't Fight for Sleep
We've all had those nights when our eyes are closed but we are far from sleep, and there are plenty of reasons why it may be difficult to fall into a deep slumber. Maybe there is something serious you are worried about or maybe you are going through the next day's to-do list, but regardless of the source, there is no reason to lose the rest that your body needs. Here are some suggestions on how to quiet your brain so that you can quiet your body as well.
- Write it down - Whether your thoughts are good or bad, giving them enough headspace can certainly steal your sleep. To combat that, spend some time during the evening and write them down. Putting your thoughts, tasks, and worries to paper can really help clear your mind.
- Get out of bed - If, after 30 minutes, you are still finding yourself fighting for sleep, try getting out of bed and doing something else. Staying awake until your body is truly tired may be the best way to find out how much sleep you really need. Just make sure you aren't having any problems waking up!
- Read a book - Reading can help distract you from your thoughts and can often make you tired enough to find success with sleep. Be sure to read a physical book though, and not one on an electronic device, as they are known to disrupt sleep even more.
- Turn on some soothing sounds - Soothing sounds may be exactly what you need to create an environment that is conducive to sleep. Download an app and find the sounds you love or miss, or use a white noise machine. Many people find that soothing sounds at bedtime help them fall asleep quicker.
Find Some Success With Sleep
Conventional wisdom tells us to get at least eight hours of sleep every night, but everyone is different. The key is to find what works best for you and the demands in your life. So stop tossing and turning so much and find your success with sleep!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in La Verne, Calif.