What To Do When You Can't Sleep

By Alexis Mills

When your brain or body just can't relax and you are tossing and turning in bed not able to get comfortable, falling asleep seems like it's going to take hours. Having a healthy amount of sleep, between 7-8 hours, has an effect on the rest of your health. To be at your healthiest, know what to do when you feel like you have insomnia to put you in a relaxed state. On those sleepless nights, go through this list and you will be sound asleep and relaxed in no time. Find what works best for you.

Turn Off Electronics

By getting off your computer, turning off the TV, and setting down your phone will help you disengage and start to relax. The light of electronics are the worst when you can't sleep and will keep you up for much longer than you want.

Read a Book

Some people don't like to read before bed because they think it gets their mind going. But for me, reading provides a sense of relaxation and enjoyment. When I'm tired, reading relaxes me even more and I feel my eyelids start to get heavy. But to see the Sandman, you've got to read a book -- not a phone, tablet or computer screen.

Set Your Thermostat

Trying to sleep when you're overheated or freezing makes it that much more difficult; even when you are starting to fall sleep, the heat or cold will keep you up. Set your thermostat between 65 and 68 degrees, turn on a relaxing fan or space heater if it's a cold winter.

Change Into Your Comfiest Pajamas

Putting on your favorite and most comfortable sleepwear will help to relax you even more. Feeling your most cozy with nothing to irritate you like an itchy tag will help you fall asleep and stay asleep. 

Make a Cup of Chamomile Tea

Drinking chamomile tea is known to be a sleep inducer because of its calming effects. It has an antioxidant called apigenin that decreases anxiety and helps you fall asleep.

Get Out the Lavender Oil

Either put lavender in a diffuser or dab a little on your pillow; it will help release its calming and soothing qualities. It's been proven that lavender reduces stress and creates a slow-wave sleep by lowering the heart rate and relaxes muscles.

Listen to Soothing, Relaxing Music 

On the most restless nights when nothing else seems to work, I put on soothing music, closing my eyes and simply focusing on deep breathing. It might sound ridiculous, but it really works if you give in.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bothell, Wash.