Unique Tricks to Help You Fall Asleep
By Randi Morse
You have a difficult time sleeping but you've read every online article you can find that claims to help with sleep issues and nothing is working. You've removed the television from your bedroom, you limit your screen time and you eat less before you get under the covers. What else can you do to help you get sleep? As it turns out, there are quite a few things!
Stay Up
When you're trying to get to sleep and are not having any luck, the stress that occurs when you think about the fact that you're not sleeping can make it even more difficult to get to sleep. In general, falling asleep is what's known as an involuntary process, meaning we don't intentionally have to try to fall asleep, our body knows to do it once we get into a comfortable, reclined position. Watching the clock and constantly thinking about how little sleep you're getting can keep you awake even longer. If you're having trouble sleeping, stay awake. Get up, do some chores or read a book. The less you focus on trying to fall asleep, the more luck you'll have at visiting dreamland.
Warm Those Feet
When your feet are warm, your body gets the message that it's time to rest. Believe it or not, cold feet can prevent your brain from receiving the information it needs to help you fall asleep. Experts say that this is because when you warm your feet, you cause the blood vessels in your feet and lower legs to dilate. This tells your brain that it's time to sleep. So if you're having problems sleeping, throw some socks on!
Blowing Bubbles
This may sound a bit crazy but blowing bubbles is an excellent way to help you to fall asleep. Learning to breathe deeply and consistently is extremely helpful in allowing your body to rid itself of stress, and blowing bubbles is very similar to that deep and meditative breathing. Not only does blowing bubbles help us breathe deeply, it also reminds us of childhood, which pulls the stress away, making it easier to wind down and relax before bed.
Not being able to sleep can be extremely frustrating, especially if you have a busy or important day coming up. The more you worry about it, the less sleep you're going to get. Instead of worrying, try getting up and doing something, warming your feet or blowing bubbles. Eventually you'll find the right combination of things to help you fall asleep easily.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aventura, Fla.