Getting a better sleep is one of those things that everyone knows would be good for them. Unfortunately, sleep-related problems affect 50-70 million Americans and can hurt their ability to get a good or long sleep.
Dealing with insomnia and the ability to sleep well can be devastating and hurt everything from your work productivity, school success, and personal relationships. But thankfully, just because you have trouble sleeping right now doesn’t mean you will in the past. With that in mind, let’s go over a few tips to beat insomnia and sleep better.
Get a Better Mattress
One of the first things you should do to improve your sleep is to find a suitable mattress. You need to find a mattress that is not only comfortable, but also supportive. There are many types of mattresses from memory foam to innerspring, and everyone has their favorite. Find a mattress that works for your sleeping position, and fits in the space you have. The good news is, many mattress manufacturers have generous return or exchange policies, so you can try the mattress for a while before committing to it.
Take Time to Wind Down in the Evening
If you want to sleep better, find some ways to wind down and relax in the evening. If your body and mind are relaxed, you will find it much easier to sleep than if you still have a ton of energy or adrenaline. If you try to sleep right after a workout, playing a sport, or watching an action movie, you will find it challenging. Always take at least an hour before bed to do things that relax you. This could be having a bath, listening to music, reading a book, or even meditating.
Watch What You Eat
The food you eat before bed can have an impact on how well you sleep. If you eat fatty foods, heavy foods, spicy foods, and foods full of a ton of protein, it can hurt your ability to sleep well. In a best case scenario, you wouldn’t eat anything before bed. But if you do need to eat, it is best to keep it quite light and healthy. Also, be sure to avoid things like coffee and alcohol before bed, too. These can make it hard to both fall and stay asleep.
Keep a Consistent Sleep Schedule
If you maintain a consistent sleeping schedule, it can also be good for helping you sleep. Our bodies are creatures of habit, and often thrive on schedules. If you are always sleeping and waking at different times, it can be confusing for your body and it may struggle to deliver the right hormones to help you sleep or wake up. If you go to bed at a consistent time, your body will get used to it and be better able to help you fall asleep (and stay asleep).
Consider Taking a Sleep Aid of Some Kind
If you find you have tried some of the aforementioned tips with no luck, it might be time to take a sleep aid of some kind. There are several types of medication and natural sleep aids that one can take to help them fall asleep and stay asleep. Of course, always consult with a doctor before taking anything to make sure it is okay and won’t harm your health in any way. Also, be sure to visit a sleep doctor and see if there is a specific sleep disorder that you may have.
In conclusion, these tips can help you get over your insomnia and sleep better each and every night.
