What To Do When You Can’t Sleep

It’s midnight and you can’t sleep. You’re tossing and turning with a dozen different things on your mind and your clock alarm is set for 6AM. Well, you’re not alone. Between 20 and 40% of  adults struggle with insomnia, a clinical disorder that can stem from a number of causes,  at some time during the year, . While there are a number of over the counter and prescription sleep aids available you many want to check out some holistic tips on helping gain that good nights sleep you need.

Here are a few helpful ideas from SelfhelpMagazine.

DON’T EXERCISE (<3 HOURS) – Don’t exercise within three hours of trying to fall asleep – this raises the heartrate. Slow stretching on the other hand might be just what the doctor ordered to get your body slowed down and feeling good

NO NAPS – Avoid naps during the day. If you sleep during the day, your body may not be as tired as necessary to get to sleep at night

AVOID LIQUIDS. (<2 HOURS) – many people are just simply drinking too many fluids before sleep. If liquids are taken before sleep, those liquids create an urgency to urinate that can awaken the adult. While that adult usually has enough bladder control to get to the bathroom, they often do not have the ability to get back to sleep. Stop drinking before sleep, and see if you stop waking up to urinate.

WAKING ACTIVITIES – Don’t participate in waking activities while in bed, like watching TV, eating, talking on the telephone, texting your friends, or using your laptop. Remember, bed has traditionally been for sleep. Train yourself to limit your bed-related activities, and your body will begin to associate your bed with sleepiness.

For a full list of tips click here.