Trouble sleeping? – Try our useful tips
Having trouble drifting off when it comes to bedtime but fed up of counting sheep? Try these alternative sleepy time tips to help you into the world of slumber:
1. Don’t force it
Unfortunately none of us possess the power to ‘will’ ourselves to sleep, so thinking and wishing and praying for it to happen will only result in frustration. If you happen to be having a sleepless night then try not to become stressed. Thinking ahead to the next day about how tired you are going to be during your morning commute and at work will not help matters. Relax – there is plenty of time for sleep tomorrow night, and the one after that etc.
2. Build a routine
It is all very well setting an alarm each day to wake us at the same time, but we forget that a bedtime routine in the evening is just as important. Try to pick an hour to be in bed by most nights to help your body build a routine.
3. Shut out the light
Obviously you will turn your light off before bed but bear in mind that other light sources can be a disturbance. If your phone goes off in the middle of the night, even if it’s on silent the light may disturb you without you actually realising.
The light from your computer charger, the hallway light coming in under your door and the light of the street lights seeping through your thin curtains can all act as disturbances on an unconscious level. Turn your phone charger over, shut off the hall light and get some well-lined curtains or a blackout blind.
4. Choose your pillow wisely
Trying to get a good night’s sleep without a good pillow is akin to trying to get a car to start without an engine, or like going to the gym in stilettos. You need the right equipment. Ensure that your pillow offers support and comfort that is suitable for your sleeping position.
5. Banish furry friends
As much as the thought of our feline and canine friends snuggled up at the end of the bed is all very quaint - midnight meowing and barking at bumps in the night do not make for a relaxing bedtime. Pets are just as easily woken up as we are so do yourself a favour and pop their bed a little further away (i.e. in another room) from yours.
For the full list of tips please visit the original Women’s Health Magazine article.