| If you're one of the millions of people who suffer from insomnia, there is good news. You don't have to rely on potentially dangerous, expensive prescription drugs to get the rest you need. There are many easy ways to relieve insomnia, I'll cover a few of the most effective in this article.
Insomnia can be caused by many things but stress and hormonal issues are two of the main causes in many people. IN some extreme cases you may only find relief with a prescription drug and you should consult your doctor. But in many, more mild cases you can find relief simply by making some simple lifestyle changes.
Here are some things you can start trying today, and hopefully sleep better tonight:
1. Relax. I know this is a hard thing to do when you're thinking about everything you have to get done tomorrow and you can't sleep tonight. You know the drill, you lay down to go to sleep, you can't sleep, you get aggravated and mad, and...you can't sleep.
It's a vicious cycle, and it's one that you have to break if you want a good night's sleep. Don't make your insomnia the focus of all your thoughts. Ignore it. Talk yourself into the fact that you'll be able to fall asleep tonight instead of spending the whole day complaining about the fact that you have insomnia.
Don't do any stressful things right before bed. Night time is not the time to balance your checkbook, pay bills, work on that stressful report, etc.
You should also avoid watching t.v. in bed. Many experts say that if you use your bed as an office you tend to take away the relaxing feeling of being in bed and can make the actual act of going to bed stressful.
2. Diet and exercise. This is important for a few reasons. For one thing your body will be more tired if you get enough physical activity which can make it easier to fall asleep. The other, and more important, reason is that if you eat properly and exercise you are keeping your body healthy. A healthy body functions better in everything, even sleep. All your systems will be working properly. Our bodies are all about balance, if we want to keep our body in balance we need to make sure we not only get adequate rest but that we get adequate exercise.
3. Progressive relaxation techniques. This is when you relax your body, one area at a time working your way all the way up to your head. You start with your toes, than move up to your feet, ankles, legs, etc. It takes time and concentration but if you 'force' your body to relax it can actually help you get to sleep. The idea is that there is no way your mind can stay active when the rest of your body is in a state of complete relaxation.
Insomnia stinks. Whether it's caused by stress, menopause, or any other factors it is very difficult on us when we don't get enough sleep. Before you try anything too drastic, try these easy to use ways to relieve insomnia to get the relief you need tonight! |