3 Ways to End the Insomnia Nightmare
By Genevieve Cunningham
Do you ever have trouble falling asleep? If you do, you're in good company. Most American adults suffer from some form of insomnia at one point or another. Poor sleep is a chronic and growing problem. While it can be frustrating to sleep poorly and suffer exhaustion all day long, the bigger issue is the effect of sleep -- or the lack thereof -- on your body and health as a whole. If you're sick of poor sleep, take a look at these three ways to end the nightmare of insomnia and start sleeping soundly tonight.
Stick to a Routine
Routines are powerful. Sometimes we develop routines accidentally. Maybe you do the same things every morning -- whether those things are good or bad. But if you want better health, you'll develop routines on purpose. One of the biggest moments where we're lacking routine is at bedtime. We just kind of pour ourselves into bed at night, or we hold our phones and scroll until we can't open our eyes. But are either of these healthy? Not at all! Start a routine about an hour or so before bedtime. Have a shower or bath, wind down with a book or your favorite show, have some hot tea or warm milk, and go to bed on time. If this is hard at first, don't get discouraged. Routines can work if you're willing to give them a chance.
Pay Attention to Diet
Diet affects everything from our weight to our energy to our sleep -- and everything in between. If we're eating the wrong foods, it may be affecting our ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. If you want to beat insomnia, try to lower your sugar consumption. Is this easy? No way, but it can really make an impact on your quality of sleep. You should also be avoiding afternoon caffeine -- whether it's in coffee, soda, or candy. If you're particularly sensitive to caffeine, you may need to avoid caffeine altogether. Listen to your body and follow its cues. As you improve your diet, you may improve your sleep, and therefore your quality of life, as well.
Limit Your Late Night Technology
Technology is much welcomed in our modern world. We love it. We love the convenience and the entertainment. But too much technology heavily affects our sleeping patterns. Not only does it keep our mind constantly moving, but the light affects both our eyes and brains. If you want better sleep, it's time to set limits. Make sure you're balancing your technology use with regular movement, and try to avoid late night technology completely. As you get this habit under control, your sleep may improve naturally.
There's no way to get around sleep. We need it. It's not only for our physical health but our mental health as well. And yet, most people constantly go without enough. Use these tips to finally get insomnia under control so that you can get the sleep you need for a healthier and happier life every day.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Castle Rock, Colo.