Having insomnia is incredibly frustrating to deal with: you feel tired but simply cannot sleep no matter how hard you try. Insomniacs may also be easily awoken in the night and find themselves unable to fall back to sleep. This can put a real damper on your lifestyle and routine.
Instead of turning to sleeping medications, people are searching for natural ways to overcome their insomnia. Here are some of the most natural ways to tackle insomnia and related sleep disorders.
Bedtime Routine
When suffering from insomnia you will want to try and create a schedule that you can follow habitually. If you stay up really late one evening or sleep all day it can really throw off your circadian rhythm.
By creating a routine and sticking to it you can help keep your sleep schedule on track. This will help you fall asleep on time and avoid daytime drowsiness.
We recommended finding some relaxing activities you can do before bed as part of your bedtime routine. This might be exercising, reading, crossword puzzles, or even a bath. Find a routine that works best for you.
Proper Sunlight During the Day
Your body uses sunlight in order to determine what time of day it is. If you stay cooped up in your house all day without sunlight it can be confusing for your body. Sitting near a window while you work or opening the blinds in your house it could really benefit your body’s internal clock.
Especially on the weekends people have a tendency to throw their sleep schedule out of whack by staying home and watching TV all day in the dark. This is fine in short sessions but try and take some breaks to get some sunlight.
Reducing Your Stress
Anxiety and stress are major causes of insomnia. If you can pinpoint the sources of your stress you may be able to take steps to remedy them. If these factors are out of your control the best thing you can do is find healthy coping strategies.
There are a variety of tactics to reduce your stress levels. One of the best ways to reduce stress is through exercise. Physical activity also tires you down, which will help you sleep. Many people also find yoga and meditation to be helpful when managing anxiety.
Drinking herbal teas are a great way to wind down and help you feel tired while also reducing stress levels. Oils, candles, and aromatherapy also help reduce stress and insomnia, so do not be afraid to experiment. Find what works best for you.
Lifestyle Changes
Changing small things in your daily life can help to prevent insomnia. This might mean not drinking as much caffeine or only having a small amount of caffeine in the morning.
Another great solution to preventing insomnia is to not watch TV or use any electronics an hour or so before you go to bed. The light can prevent you from producing melatonin when you need to, which prevents you from being tired.
Final Thoughts
Every person is different when it comes to insomnia, so it may take some time to figure out what works for you. It’s great to start by getting in the habit of following a dedicated sleeping routine, reducing your caffeine intake levels, and minimizing your stress levels.
