32 Solutions for When You Can't Sleep
It’s oh, I don’t know, 3 o’clock in the freaking morning, and I’m lying in bed, staring at the ceiling and wanting to cry with frustration. I'm trying to stay hopeful about my ability to catch a few hours of shuteye before work the next morning, but I’ve been up until 6 a.m. (not by choice) enough times in my life to know the beast of insomnia can’t always be tamed.
I'm certainly not alone. Insomnia is incredibly common in the U.S., with 30 to 40 percent of American adults experiencing some symptoms of insomnia each year . So for all those seasoned insomniacs out there—and for anyone who occasionally can’t fall or stay asleep—we’ve rounded up some short- and long- term strategies for getting a good night’s rest. And if you’re reading this at 3 a.m. because your mind won’t stop running, don’t worry; we have tips for what you can do right now to improve the chances of getting (at least some) sleep.
Sleep Gap—The Need-to-Know
Insomnia is defined as the inability to fall asleep, remain asleep, or get the amount of sleep an individual needs to wake up feeling rested. Its symptoms include difficulty falling asleep, frequent wake-ups during the night, waking up too early in the morning, daytime sleepiness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. Insomnia can be acute (lasting one to several nights) or chronic (lasting from a month to years). It’s also the most common sleep complaint among Americans (especially women) .Trouble sleeping is often a symptom of another disease or condition, such as depression, chronic pain, medications, or stress, which might explain why it’s so common . Most often, insomnia stems from a combination of factors, including medical and psychological issues, scheduling issues, relationships conflicts, and behavioral factors (poor bedtime routines, physical hyperactivity, watching TV right before bed, etc.) .
Beyond Counting Sheep—Your Action Plan
1. Keep track.
Record how much and when you sleep, fatigue levels throughout the day, and any other symptoms. This serves two purposes: It can identify activities that help or hurt the chances of a good night’s rest, and it’s a useful tool for a doctor or therapist, should you decide to see one. Digital programs like Zeo, YawnLog, and a variety of apps can all make snooze-tracking easier.2. Try therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is a pretty common technique. Also called CBT-I, the therapy typically involves self-monitoring, mental strategies (like developing positive thoughts about sleep), and creating an environment that promotes sleep—and it’s been shown to improve sleep quality . Learn these strategies with the help of a therapist or with online guidance or books—both are equally effective ways of implementing CBT-I . Not into seeing a therapist? Check out Sleepio, a digital program that helps users learn about and implement CBT practices from the comfort of their own homes.3. Establish a regular bedtime routine.
Find activities that help you wind down before bed, and stick to the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends.4. Use the bed appropriately.
Beds should be reserved for sleep and sex—and nothing else. Bringing work into the bedroom is a sure-fire way to discourage sleep quality.5. Choose the right mattress.
Uncomfortable bedding has been linked to poorer sleep quality, while a comfortable mattress can up the chances of a satisfying snooze .6. Don’t smoke.
Need another reason to quit? Smokers commonly exhibit symptoms of insomnia—possibly because their bodies go into nicotine withdrawal during the night .7. See a doctor.
If you’ve tried everything and nothing’s worked, it might be time to consult a professional. A doctor can help rule out any sleep disorders and identify lifestyle factors or medications that might be getting in the way of a good night’s rest.
8. Exercise early in the day.
Studies find moderate aerobic activity can improve insomniacs’ sleep quality. For best results, exercise at least three hours before bedtime so the body has sufficient time to wind down before hitting the sack.9. Schedule “worry time” during the day.
Spend 15 minutes addressing problems (journaling is a good way to start) so they don’t sneak up when your head hits the pillow. If a particular event or stressor is keeping you up at night—and it has a clear end date—the problem may resolve itself naturally.10. Limit caffeine.
It’s tempting to reach for coffee when we’re tired after a poor night’s sleep, but drinking caffeine can make it harder for us to fall asleep at night, creating a vicious cycle . Can’t quit cold turkey? Try limiting caffeine intake to earlier in the day so it’s out of your system by bedtime.11. Nap the right way.
Just 10 to 20 minutes of napping during the day can help us feel rested (and improve our creativity and memory, to boot!) . But try to avoid napping after 3:00 or 4:00pm, as this can make it harder to fall asleep at bedtime .12. Get outside.
Increasing natural light exposure during the day promotes healthy melatonin balance, which can help us get to sleep later in the day.13. Eat for sleep.
Eat foods high in magnesium, like halibut, almonds, cashews, and spinach, and foods high in vitamin B complex, like leafy green vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Some experts also recommend taking supplements of taurine, vitamin B6, and magnesium.
14. Try relaxation techniques.
In one study, people who practiced meditation saw improvements in total sleep time and sleep quality. Other relaxation strategies—like yoga, deep breathing, and progressive relaxation—are also effective tools for promoting good sleep.15. Avoid large meals late in the evening.
Jumbo meals pre-bedtime have been linked to trouble falling asleep .16. Dim the lights two hours before bed.
According to one study, exposure to electrical lights between dusk and bedtime might negatively affect our chances at quality sleep. Assuming you don’t want to sit in the dark for hours, find the happy medium by dimming the lights as bedtime draws near. Also consider changing all light bulbs to “soft/warm” varieties with a color temperature less than 3,000 kelvins, all of which can reduce lights’ effects on our nervous systems.17. Turn off the screens.
The artificial (or “blue”) light emitted by screens can disrupt our bodies’ preparations for sleep by stimulating daytime hormones . Reduce exposure by turning off TVs, phones, and computers at least one hour before bedtime. Can’t give up the Daily Show? At least dim a screen’s brightness, either manually or with the help of automated programs.18. Don’t drink alcohol right before bed.
Booze might seem like an obvious choice for calming down pre-bedtime, but it can actually disrupt sleep cycles later in the night. You don’t have to give up the good stuff completely; just drink it with dinner (around 6 o’clock) and skip the nightcap.19. Don’t use your brain before bed.
Don’t work, watch stimulating TV shows, read complex material, or think too hard—about anything—before bedtime; working out the brain keeps the body awake.20. Have sex or masturbate before bed.
Hey, anything for a good night’s rest. Getting our “O” face on pre-bedtime can help us fall asleep.21. Keep it (dark and) cool.
A dark, cool bedroom environment helps promote restful sleep. Program the thermostat so the bedroom’s temperature is between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit (experiment to find what works best for you), and use heavy curtains, blackout shades, or an eye mask to block lights. Also be sure to charge phones and laptops outside the bedroom—even this tiny bit of light can disrupt sleep. If you live in a studio or can’t get away from blue lights for any reason, consider making a (very small) investment in blue light blocking glasses.22. Consider natural supplements.
Valerian and melatonin are two of the most highly recommended supplements (though their efficacy is still under review) . Some other sleep aids can be effective, too.
No comments:
Post a Comment