Sleep Better!
Why am I doing a blog post about how to sleep better? Because few things can be as frustrating as when you need to get some sleep but can’t! When you keep looking at your clock, thinking…if I fell asleep now, I’d get (fill in the blank) hours of sleep before I have to wake up!
So many articles are written about the importance of sleep. Making us well aware of how stressful it is when we aren’t getting enough sleep . And want to sleep better at night but just aren’t able to.
Many reasons can cause restless nights. Some of which are:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Worry
- Fear
- Grief
Sleep disturbance could also be due to decompressing at the end of the day by:
- Getting in bed and getting on your cell phone
- Getting on your computer
- Watching T.V.
Sleep Better – Tip One
- Turn off all electronics and give your eyes and brain a rest at least one hour before going to bed
- Try to create a bedtime ritual around sleep. Creating a bedtime ritual around winding down and going to sleep tells your brain and body that it’s time to relax and prepare for sleep
- Examples are:
- Taking a warm bath or shower
- Listening to comforting and relaxing music
- Meditation or relaxation breathing exercises
- Sex! – Yep, sex can help you sleep better
- Examples are:
Sleep Better – Tip Two
Include physical activity into your day, preferably in the morning. But if you can’t exercise in the morning then try to fit it in well before going to bed.
Exercising too close to when you go to bed can hinder your ability to sleep. So to sleep better, try to get your physical activity earlier in the day.
Sleep Better – Tip Three
If you have an alarm clock in your bedroom, turn it away from you so the light isn’t impacting your sleep.
If you are having one of those nights where you’re tossing and turning and no matter what you try, you just can’t fall asleep. Try going into another room, keeping the lights dim, and reading a book or listening to relaxing music.
If sleep is becoming an issue in your life, you might consider seeking medical help by talking with your medical doctor.
Help is Available
If anxiety or worry is keeping you awake, help is available. Through individual therapy with a psychotherapist, you can begin to address your fears, worries or anxieties.
If you live in Austin, Texas, and are considering therapy for anxiety, worry, and/or fears, contact me.
*Blog is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
