5 Ways to Cure Your Restless Mind Insomnia
By Chris Brown
Hello there. Yes, I'm talking to you. The one that searched, "how to cure insomnia," at three in the morning. Well, not to worry, following the five steps below can help calm your busied mind and bring you much-desired deep sleep in no time.
Don't watch television, read instead - While you may be tempted to switch on the television and watch a mindless show, the blue light from the screen suppresses circadian rhythm and can further keep you awake. In fact, watching television close to bedtime may be attributing to your current insomnia. Even if you manage to sleep, there's evidence that bedtime television increases stress and fatigue the following day. Instead, reading is a healthier way to distract the mind while not interrupting your natural sleep rhythm.
Mindfulness meditation - You don't have to be a yogi for mindfulness meditation to help you fall sleep. Mindfulness is essentially about focusing your attention on relaxing various parts of your body. This, in turn, distracts your mind from the racing thoughts keeping you awake which helps put you to sleep. If you are new to mindfulness, free audio can be found on sites like YouTube to help guide your inner dialogue.
Drink a sleep-inducing herbal tea - Don't underestimate the calming power of a warm cup of tea. Appreciating the warmth and aroma of a freshly brewed cup of chamomile can be a meditative experience in itself. Not to mention, many teas marketed for sleep have mildly calming medicinal qualities. Importantly, make sure not to brew a black or green tea if sensitive to caffeine.
Take a hot shower - Since you are already awake, it can't hurt to reset the night by taking a relaxing shower. A hot shower can have many of the same health and stress relieving benefits of a warm bath. The shower's hot steam is scientifically proven to increase neuronal activity associated with sleep and it can induce a parasympathetic state (the opposite of the sympathetic, anxious state, keeping you awake).
Melatonin - While I do not recommend reaching for pharmaceutical sleep agents if possible (they can be addicting and leave you waking groggy), I have found a lot of success with the non-addictive, natural hormone, melatonin. Melatonin works by triggering a natural process that occurs as the body falls asleep. It helps guide your mind into a deep sleep state and keep you there throughout the night. Melatonin is especially beneficial when resetting the body's circadian rhythm on long-distance trips to reduce jet lag.
Your racing mind may not be the only thing making sleep difficult. An adjustment at The Joint Chiropractic can help remove spinal restrictions which may be unknowingly keeping you restless. Sessions are affordable for walk-in patients, so pop in to see a doctor first thing tomorrow morning and prevent having to reread this blog a second night.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Englewood, Colo.