Four Natural Ways To Count Fewer Sheep And Overcome Insomnia
If you dread the thought of going to bed at night because you can't fall asleep, you may want to consider some natural approaches to treating insomnia. Natural treatments can help you avoid prescription medications, especially those that can become addictive. With some simple techniques and the help of your medical professional, you can help your body learn to sleep better at night. Here are some approaches to consider.
Hypnosis
Hypnosis is a procedure performed by a mental health professional to help your mind become more open to relaxation. Hypnosis sessions can help you become more primed to fall asleep using simple, restful words, which you can repeat to yourself as a mantra when you go to bed. You can also use recordings to play back these words and phrases as you attempt to fall asleep at night. You'll want to consult with your physician beforehand, as the existence of some conditions can make hypnosis a less than desirable option for certain people.
Controlled Lighting
The natural lighting in your bedroom can have a profound impact on your sleep cycle. Having the right amount of daylight and darkness in the room can help you create a more natural sleep cycle. Fortunately, there are some things you can do to create this natural lighting scheme, even if you work second or third shift. Invest in lined blackout curtains for your bedroom, and be sure that there are no gaps in the center or sides that let sunlight peek through during the day. You can also purchase sleep machines that mimic sunlight in the room. By setting a sunrise and sunset schedule, you can begin to acclimate your body to wake up with the lighting cycle. Be sure to leave all other lights in the room off to create a more natural ambiance in the room.
Change Your Diet
Your diet can also make it more difficult for you to fall asleep at night. Too much caffeine close to bedtime can be problematic, but so can drinking too much of any beverage right before you go to bed. Limit your caffeine and sugar intake throughout the day, and cut it off completely several hours before bedtime. Foods rich in magnesium can also help you sleep better. Consider snacking on sunflower seeds, almonds, or cashews before bed instead of your traditional dessert to help your body find better sleep naturally. You can also work with a nutritionist to come up with a meal plan to help avoid insomnia.