3 Ways to Lull Yourself to Sleep
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sleep. If you’re an adult in America, you probably feel as though you never get enough! Sleep feels so good. It relaxes the body and mind, leaves us refreshed, and helps start the day off just right. But when we don’t get enough, we feel rundown, sore, and irritable. So what can you do when your body just won’t cooperate? When you desperately want to sleep, but your eyes won’t stay closed? Take a look at these easy tips for lulling yourself to sleep and getting a good night’s rest.
Drink Warm Tea or Milk
A warm drink can fill your belly and calm your nerves. If you find you can’t quite get to sleep at night, get out of the bed, make yourself some warm tea (try sleepytime!) or some warm milk, and sip for a while. While it won’t put you instantly to sleep, you may feel your eyelids growing heavier with every swallow. If you make this a habit, it might help signal to your body that it's bedtime, and you may begin to feel sleepy every night with just the thought of a warm drink and some quiet time.
Turn Off the Lights an Hour Before Bed
No one is asking you to sit in the pitch black for an hour before bed, but it can be a good idea to start the process. About an hour before you intend to go to sleep, turn off your phone and laptop and dim the lights. If you read, sit beside the soft glow of a lamp. If you’re watching TV, turn off the lights in the room. The darkness helps to signal bedtime to your body, which initiates the wind down and gets your body and mind ready for bed when the time comes.
Get Some Cool Air and a Blanket
It’s a lot harder to sleep when it’s hot. If you’re having trouble sleeping, turn down the temperature in your home and wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Get as comfortable as possible and just relax. Let the atmosphere perform its soothing magic. The cool temps along with the coziness of the warm blanket might help you find the rest and sleep you need.
Getting enough sleep is crucial for good health and good moods. If you’re not getting enough, you might need a little help. Use these tips to help you finally fall asleep and restore your body and mind every night.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Thornton, Colo.