Natural Sleep Aids for the Sleep Deprived
How much sleep do you get each night? Probably not as much as you'd like. And whether your trouble is in figuring out how to go to sleep, or how to stay asleep, there are some simple steps for overcoming sleep deprivation and sleep disorders, such as insomnia. Here are some simple guidelines to help you get started.
The Bed
What works in terms of beds and pillows varies from person to person. The best advice is to make sure that it's comfortable for you.
Research suggests that sharing a bed is disruptive for all concerned, so make sure your bed is big enough for two. Children and pets are particularly disruptive, so set limits on how often they sleep in bed with you.
The Bedroom
Make your bedroom conducive to sleep. That means it should be dark, cool, quiet and comfortable (use eye covers and earplugs if necessary).
It also means no TVs, laptops or anything else that will distract you from your sleep. Curtains are better than blinds to exclude light.
Exercise
Many researchers believe our sedentary lifestyles are the biggest cause of sleep problems in modern society. Regular daily exercise will help you to fall asleep quicker, sleep for longer and have sleep that is more restful. It is almost always advised not to exercise within three hours of bedtime.
Sleep at Night
Daytime naps (while appealing) may impact sleep quality at night. Limit them to about a half-hour and make it during mid-afternoon. If you have trouble waking up in the morning, leave the curtains open and let the sunlight help wake you up.
