Sleep Tips for the Restless
Posted on February 22, 2010 by Kate
If you are one of the thousands of North Americans who suffer from sleep deprivation, insomnia or other sleep disorders, you know what it is like to feel desperate for sleep. Dragging yourself around while utterly exhausted can not only be dangerous for your health, but could prove to cause you injury while at work or play. Getting a good night’s sleep is very important to your health and will improve your quality of life.
Here are some easy tips on how to avoid sleeplessness:
- Go to sleep at the same time very night. The body runs on an internal clock that helps ensure you have the right amount of “wake time” and “sleep time”. While you are asleep, the body heals itself and restores energy.
- Make sure you have a comfortable mattress – or buy a memory foam mattress for ultimate comforte.
- Avoid consuming caffiene or nicotine close to your usual bed time. Both are temporary energy inducers.
- Avoid eating or drinking close to your bed time. The body needs rest while sleeping, if you are digesting food, you are expending energy and not restoring it.
- Exercising daily can help burn off excess energy and help you relax enough to sleep. Though you should never exercise too close to your regular bed time. Give your muscles and body a chance to wind down before sleep.
- Relaxing bed time rituals can help get you to sleep faster. This could mean an hour of reading before bed, or maybe a hot soak in the bath tub.
- If you find you can’t fall asleep and are still in bed 20 minutes or longer, get up. Try a relaxing activity until you are sleepy again.
- A peaceful sleep environment is very important. Remove any clutter or mess in your bedroom and try to avoid any ongoing noise. You might consider soft ear plugs or “white noise” electronics to help mute background noise you can’t avoid. If your bed is lumpy or needs some rejuviniation, consider a mattress toppers.
- Make sure you have proper linens. If you are prone to allergy or tend to pile on the blankets, you may be disrupting your sleep quality without knowing it. Merino wool bedding is also made from natural fibers which are less likely to irritate those that suffer from allergies.
