Can't Sleep? These Tips Might Help!
By Genevieve Cunningham
Is there any worse feeling than being unable to sleep? You lie awake, stare at the ceiling, and worry about being exhausted tomorrow. It's incredibly frustrating, and perhaps worst of all, it's also incredibly common. But there's good news! Dealing with insomnia is possible, and with a few changes to your routine, you may be sleeping like a baby in no time at all. If you're ready to kick insomnia to the curb, take a look at these tips to try incorporating into your routine as soon as today.
Don't Fight It
Sometimes we can't sleep because we don't want to. We give all of our time away - to work, family, and other obligations. When we finally get into bed at night, we want a few minutes (or hours!) to ourselves. If you really need and want more sleep, you're going to have to stop fighting it. When the window of sleepiness hits you, take advantage of it! If you need more time to yourself, consider waking up early to get a little personal time. Though this can be one of the hardest things to change, it can make a big difference in the amount and the quality of sleep you get.
Skip the Drink
A nightcap sometimes feels like punctuation for the day. It's your final action -- a nightcap and then the bed. Unfortunately, this little drink can seriously hinder quality sleep. It might feel as though the nightcap is helping you sleep deeply, but this effect is only temporary. Alcohol tends to impair our sleep. If you want to enjoy this habit without harming your sleep, consider trading your alcoholic drink for something different. A caffeine-free herbal tea or warm milk are great choices. This allows you to keep the habit without the detrimental effects to your sleep.
Properly Wind Down
Are you winding down well at night? Or are you just throwing yourself into bed? Winding down helps both body and mind to relax. This process might look different for everyone, especially since you'll want to choose activities that are specifically soothing to you. Maybe you enjoy a stretch, a bath, and an episode of your favorite show. Or maybe you're a hot drink, good book kinds of person. Find what works, and allow yourself some time to go from full work day to bedtime. The slow transition may be all it takes to improve your sleep every night.
Sleep often gets difficult as we get older and accumulate more responsibilities. Making sure you get quality rest is up to you. It has to be a priority. Use these little tips to help you get your sleep moving in the right direction, and enjoy kicking that fatigue out of your life once and for all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Whittier, Calif.