Tuesday, December 25, 2007

How To Effectively Fall Asleep

How To Effectively Fall Asleep

Sometimes, it is hard enough to fall asleep. And it is even more frustrating to go back to sleep when you wake up in the middle of the night. Being sleepless and restless during bedtime is often related to stress and physical or even emotional conditions.

Sleeplessness can often lead to insomnia or sleep apnea. In most cases, sleeplessness is simply a matter of poor sleeping habits. To help you unleash those z's at night, here are some tips that could help you sleep like a log.

  • Do not involve yourself with exhausting activities, like exercising, right before going to bed.
  • Steer clear of foods that are high in sugar like chocolate desserts and caffeinated drinks minutes before heading to sleep.
  • After working or studying, allow a couple of minutes of relaxation before you jump into bed.
  • Find suitable lighting for your room. Too much light can be distracting so you might want to turn it off for a restful sleep. On the other hand, some people can't sleep without the lights on. If this is the case, it would a good idea to have a study lamp on or anything that can be a source of dim lights.
  • Make sure that your room is noise-free by the time you hit the bed. Turn off all appliances, like TV or radio, which might keep you awake.
  • The temperature of the room is also of prime importance. If you have an air-conditioning unit in your room, make sure that you set it in your preferred temperature so you wouldn't have to wake up in the middle of the night to adjust the temperature because it's too warm or too cold.
  • Anxiety can also be a reason for sleeplessness. Try not to think of anything you should worry about before sleeping. If a soothing music can help you veer away from anxious thoughts, then you can turn the radio.
  • Your physical condition could also dictate your sleeping habits. If you are not feeling well, you would obviously have a hard time getting some needed sleep too. Always consult your doctor if you notice any symptoms of any kind of ailment or disease.
Jason Rickard