How To Get Rid Of Insomnia?
Cynics might say that the best way to get rid of insomnia is to sleep more! This may also be the attitude of people who don’t suffer from this frustrating and limiting malady. But for true insomniacs getting to sleep is far from a simple task.
Many people who really suffer from insomnia toss and turn for two hours or more before finally falling asleep. Some even compare it to “passing out” due to exhaustion. Others fall asleep a bit faster but seem to wake up very early and remain awake until they have to get up. People may also have a combination of these two types of insomnia.
Consistent, restful sleep is crucial to our ability to function efficiently the following day. Your natural systems will operate under stress – digestion, heartbeat, respiration etc. You won’t think as clearly or as quickly when you don’t get enough sleep. Here are a few things you can do to improve your sleep and get rid of insomnia.
Habits, Patterns
Start getting rid of insomnia by going to bed at the same time each night. Your body should gradually get used to this pattern. Combine this with eliminating caffeinated drinks, even during the day. These beverages may be an important factor in your insomnia. Don’t eat large meals in the evening and don’t eat right before going to bed.
Along with these specific steps you should practice the gradual relaxation method. After you lie down and are comfortable start visualizing each part of your body relaxing, beginning with the toes or the fingers. Focus on letting the tightness/tension flow out of your body as you work up from the toes or fingers. Don’t hurry to the next body part. Relax the lower legs, upper legs, stomach and chest and so on. This should go a long way toward putting you in a general state of relaxation. Remember, take your time.
Basic Things
Here are a few other suggestions for being more relaxed and getting to sleep: Drink a glass of warm milk; don’t drink alcohol right before going to bed; take a warm bath before bedtime; don’t listen to loud, exciting music or watch stressful, exciting movies right before bedtime; do listen to slow, relaxing music; use deep-breathing to relax your body; try not to nap during the day so that you will be more likely to sleep as soon as you go to bed.
One of the best things you can do for yourself as you try to get rid of insomnia is get up after 10 or 15 minutes if you don’t fall asleep right away. Get away from the bed for a few minutes then try again. People who lay awake for hours are doing more harm than good because their brain and body are getting in the habit of being anxious and awake for long periods of time.
Keep your work out of the bedroom and don’t watch television from the bed. Make sure the room is very dark and quiet. Combine these things with some of the steps mentioned earlier and you should have a start toward getting rid of insomnia.
Category: Health