Poor Sleep? Here's Why and What to Do About It
By Genevieve Cunningham
Sleep has a way of being incredibly elusive. Even though we all need it, it tends to escape many of us more often than not. We lie in bed, toss and turn, and wish we could fall asleep for just a few hours. So what gives? Why doesn't sleep find us, and if you're already in the insomniac camp, what can we do about it? To understand your own sleeping problems and get some help that lasts, take a look at these cause and effect traps that might be keeping you from the best rest.
Why Sleep Isn't Happening
If you can't sleep, there could be various reasons why. If you can pinpoint the reason, you may be able to improve your sleep. Some possible obstacles to good sleep in your life may include:
- Work - When we're overworked or too stressed at work, it can hinder sleep. How stressed are you when you're on the clock -- and when you're off?
- Caffeine - While caffeine can be a friend in the morning, afternoon caffeine can make sleep feel impossible. How often do you consume caffeine during the day?
- Lifestyle challenges - Do you sit or stand all day? Do you exercise? Do you have a bedtime routine? If you don't keep healthy lifestyle habits, it can make sleep a significant challenge.
How to Remedy Sleep Problems
While some sleep issues require professional help, there are things we can try first. A few possible solutions include:
- Stress relief - Make sure you're lowering your stress levels throughout the day, and most especially at night. Do this through meditation or prayer, yoga or a gentle exercise, time in nature, hot showers, or hobbies that calm you down. As the stress disappears, sleep may take its place.
- Diet awareness - Do you really pay attention to what you eat? Cut off caffeine before noon. Stick to healthy foods as much as possible. Increase your water consumption. The healthier you eat, the healthier you'll be overall, which may help improve your sleep cycles as well.
- Routines and better habits - The better your habits, the better your sleep and health will be. Plain and simple. Make sure you have a bedtime and wake up time. Make sure you have routines in the morning and night. Make sure you're exercising regularly. Good habits breed good health, so start maintaining better habits today.
If you can't sleep, it's definitely going to affect other parts of your health. You won't feel your best, and you won't be able to perform at your best. Double check your life for these problem areas, use the tips to improve sleep, and get better rest and better health in no time at all.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Beaverton, Ore.