Easing Into Better Sleep: 3 Steps That Work
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sleep is a complicated issue. We all need it, and yet we all approach it differently. For some, going without sleep is a badge of honor. It means they're working hard and finding success. For others, sleep is a long lost pastime that they desperately wish they could get back. But no matter how you personally feel about sleep or the lack thereof, there's one thing that can't be denied: We need more sleep than we're getting. But how do we make that happen? If you need to change your habits and improve your sleep, take a look at these tips for easing into more sleep starting now.
Start With 5 Minutes
If it's not easy to simply lie down and go to sleep, it's going to be especially hard to change your bedtime. But for many, it may be necessary. Consider giving the aforementioned difficult task of changing your bedtime a try -- but do it without the difficulty. Instead of backing it up by half an hour, start with five minutes. Sure, it doesn't feel like much now, but as your body adjusts, you can continue to back it up until you're finally getting the rest you need.
Ease Off Caffeine
Caffeine can feel like a lifesaver for making it through the day. It can help you focus at the late afternoon meeting. It can be the extra push you need to make it to the gym after work. But it can also be the reason that you can't fall asleep. Ease yourself off any caffeine in the afternoon hours. Though it will be difficult at first, you will adjust. And when you do, your focus will come back, your energy will eventually return, and your sleep may improve like never before.
Lower Insomnia Stress
Sometimes we can't sleep because of stress. And then the lack of sleep makes us stress even more! We get worried about our lack of sleep. We dread bedtime because we know we'll be tossing and turning, and the increase in stress makes sleep even more difficult. It's a horrible cycle to be caught in. Do your best to lower stress. Take hot showers and read a book and get a massage. Do whatever you can to feel calm and relaxed at bedtime so that falling asleep won't feel like such an impossible task.
If you can't sleep, don't give up. There are things that can be done and habits to change. There is definitely hope! Use these tips to slowly transition into better habits and better sleep. With some consistency, you can transform your quality of sleep and start feeling better right away.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Worth, Fla.