Unlock Better Sleep: Practical Tips for Overcoming Insomnia Naturally

Have you experienced trouble sleeping at some point in your life? Well, it is common among many people, especially adults. This is mainly triggered by the many factors that interfere with a good night’s sleep, like work stress, illnesses, and family responsibilities. But when insomnia persists day after day, it can become a real problem. Consistent lack of quality sleep can make one tired and moody and have severe effects on one’s health, like increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes, obesity, and heart disease.

Most people who have had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep tend to turn to sleep medications to help them have restful sleep. However, these drugs can have side effects like headaches, drowsiness, strange dreams, dizziness, appetite changes, and abdominal discomfort.

But the good news is that you can adopt habits that help you fall asleep quickly, stay asleep longer, and be more energetic and productive during the day. Have a look at some of the simple tips!

·         Set and stick to a sleep schedule

The body’s circadian rhythm functions on a set loop that aligns itself with sunrise and sunset. Therefore, it is essential to have a consistent sleep and wake time to help achieve long-term sleep quality. Studies show that people who have irregular sleep patterns alter their circadian rhythm and levels of melatonin, which signal the brain to sleep. The recommended amount of sleep for healthy adults is at least seven hours. Set at least seven to eight hours of sleep and ensure you go to bed at the same time every day, including weekends. Consistency will help the body adapt to a sleep-wake cycle that gets you well-rested.

·         Be smart about what you eat and drink

What you eat and drink during the day significantly impacts your sleep. Some of the essential things to pay attention to include;

v  Focus on a healthy diet: Your eating pattern has a significant impact on your sleep pattern. For instance, a Mediterranean-type diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, with a limited amount of carbs and red meat, may help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

v  Don’t go to bed hungry or stuffed: Going to bed hungry or immediately after eating a heavy meal within a couple of hours of bedtime may cause discomfort, making it difficult to fall asleep.

v  Limit caffeine and nicotine: Caffeine and nicotine have a stimulating effect that takes hours to wear off and can interfere with sleep.

v  Avoid alcohol before bed: Although alcohol may make you feel sleepy at first, it affects your long-term sleep cycle, especially when you have not taken any alcohol.

v  Avoid drinking too many liquids in the evening: Although fluids are healthy for your body, drinking lots of fluids at night may result in frequent bathroom trips, affecting your sleep pattern.

·         Improve your sleep environment

A peaceful bedroom environment sends a powerful signal to your brain that it’s time to wind down and let go of the day’s stresses. Keep your room calm, dark, and quiet. Some of the tips you can adopt include;

v  Keep noise down: Avoid music in your bedroom. To eliminate noise from other people in your household, neighbors, and traffic, try masking it with a fan or sound machine. Earplugs can also help.

v  Keep your room cool: You can sleep better in a slightly cool room that has adequate ventilation. A bedroom that is too hot or too cold can interfere with quality sleep.

v  Ensure that your bed is comfortable: Your bed should allow you to stretch and turn comfortably without becoming tangled. If you wake up complaining of a sore back or an aching neck, consider different levels of mattress firmness, foam toppers, and pillows that provide more or less support. A comfortable bed will help improve your sleep position.

v  Reserve your bed for sleeping and sex: Avoid working, watching TV, or using your computer, phone, or tablet in bed. This helps your brain to associate the bedroom with just sleep and sex, which makes it easier to wind down at night.

·         Exercise

Exercise increases the effect of natural sleep hormones like melatonin. Consider a daily brisk walk and enjoy better sleep at night. However, it is important to watch the timing of your workout. Exercising too close to bedtime can be stimulating. Instead, consider morning workouts that expose you to bright daylight.

·         De-stress

Piled bills and a long to-do list can easily stimulate your stress levels, activating the fight-or-flight hormones that work against sleep. Learn to resolve your worries or concerns before bedtime by jotting down what’s on your mind and then setting it aside for tomorrow. Basic stress management tips like getting organized, setting priorities, and delegating tasks might also help. To relax, try meditating and deep breathing exercises.

Know when to seek help from a professional!

If you often have trouble sleeping, talking to a professional can help identify and treat any underlying causes. Contact Dr. Jason Jones at our Chiropractic office in Elizabeth City, NC, for assistance!