How to Beat Stubborn Insomnia
By Genevieve Cunningham
There’s almost nothing worse than the inability to sleep. Because our bodies rely so heavily on adequate rest, not getting enough leaves us irritable, confused, and downright exhausted. While it’s easy to ignore the problem or chalk it up to part of the normal aging process, insomnia has some troubling side effects. So, what is one to do when the Sandman simply won’t stop by and sprinkle his magic dust? Take a look at these tips for beating insomnia and finally getting the rest you need.
Limit Technology Use
Technology has brought about some amazing benefits to our world. It streamlines processes that once took days upon days. It opens a whole new world of information to every person. Truthfully, technology is pretty amazing. But, it also has a downside. Too much technology use, especially late in the day, has been linked to insomnia. The lights and screen stimulate our brains and keep us awake and active even if you’re lying in bed. And technology is rather addicting, so when you can’t fall asleep, you’re likely to reach for your phone. If you really want more sleep, try to curb the technology use, especially in the evening. And whatever you do, avoid it during the night or anytime that you can’t seem to fall asleep.
Exercise Early
If you don’t already exercise, this is a good place to start. Exercise tires your body, but it also helps set your natural clock. The trick is to exercise at the right time. Exercising late at night or even in the early evening can have the opposite effect. It can wake you up and keep you moving. Instead, work out in the morning, or at the latest, the mid afternoon. This gives your body the proper amount of time to wind down and relax enough to fall asleep.
Eat the Right Foods
Sleep can be significantly affected by your diet. First, cut out your afternoon stimulants. This includes anything with caffeine. No afternoon coffee, no mounds of chocolate, and no caffeinated tea. Second, skip the alcohol as much as possible. Alcohol might help you fall asleep, but the quality will be poor, and you’ll still wake up feeling tired. Lastly, fill your diet with foods that induce sleepiness. This might include warm milk, cheese and crackers, walnuts or almonds, rice, or a soothing tea.
Insomnia is definitely not something to ignore. It’s problematic for far too many people, and the effects of not getting enough rest can haunt you for a lifetime. Use these tips to help you get a little shut-eye, and watch your health, your mood, and your overall condition improve in no time.