Insomnia is a common problem that many of us suffer from at some point in our lives. Lying awake in the early hours of the morning, the issue can be exacerbated when we start to feel stressed because we still haven’t hit la-la land (the sleep state, not the movie musical).
Some of us suffer from insomnia on a short-term basis, perhaps as a result of temporary stress in our lives, and others suffer from the issue over a longer-term, perhaps because of poor lifestyle habits or chronic medical conditions.
For all we know, you might be suffering from insomnia in your life. Heck, you might be reading this article at 3 in the morning because you still haven’t managed to fall asleep!
Thankfully, there are ways to solve the issue.
#1: Seek professional help
As we suggested, insomnia can be caused by specific medical conditions, so if you are struggling to sleep because of the pain you are in or because of the medications you are on, then your doctor should be your first port of call for advice.
You might also see your doctor if you are suffering from stress, as he or she might suggest ways to de-stress, and might even prescribe a medication to help relieve your anxiety or to help you sleep better.
You might also consider the services of a counselor or a therapist if you are suffering from stress. Using cognitive behavioral therapy, they can help you adjust your thinking and gain better perspectives over the stresses that are behind your sleepless nights.
Finally, you might also see a sleep specialist. Visit novapulmonary.com for one example; a service dedicated to helping those who suffer from a wide range of sleep disorders, including insomnia and the sleep-inhibiting causes behind it.
#2: Form better habits
Your bad habits might be to blame for your sleeplessness.
If you watch television or lie in bed staring at your phone or laptop screens, then you will find it harder to get to sleep as screens, both large and small, can disrupt your sleep cycle.
Eating too much before you go to bed will also interfere with your sleep, as you might experience heartburn or the feelings of a full stomach which could keep you awake.
And drinking alcohol can be problematic, as while it can assist you in getting to sleep, it isn’t a proper solution. Not only will you become dependant on it to help you get to sleep, leading to a possible addiction, but you might actually wake up more during the night, not only to use the toilet because you have been drinking, but also because alcohol inhibits deep sleep.
Form better habits then, and do those things that will help you get to sleep rather than keep you awake.
Engage in some gentle exercise before going to bed, perhaps by taking a short walk outside or by practicing Yoga. And rather than scrolling through Facebook while you’re in bed, or some other such screen-based activity, read a book or magazine instead, as this can cause you to feel tired and drowsy.
And rather than eating heavy foods or consuming any drinks that can affect your sleep, such as alcohol and anything caffeinated, you should focus on these foods and drinks instead, as they contain the sleep-enhancing properties that will help you get your z’s.
Finally
Don’t let insomnia be a waking nightmare in your life. Follow our suggestions and take the necessary steps to give you a better night’s sleep. And if you have any other tips for our readers, perhaps as a result of your experience with insomnia, please share them with us.
Sweet dreams, and thanks for reading!
