Do you struggle to fall asleep? In fact, are you reading this article when you should really be sleeping right now? (It’s okay. Read on.)
The number one thing that people blame when they lose sleep is stress or insomnia. However, there are other reasons which may be causing your lack of sleep. Sleep is very crucial for the overall body development. It even aids in weight loss, prevention of heart diseases and stroke. It is recommended that one should get at least eight hours of sleep as an adult. Those who have had a hard time sleeping can confess that they spend most of the time feeling worn out, which tends to lead to lack of productiveness in an individual’s life.
So what are reasons you can’t sleep?
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Eating too late
It is recommended that you should eat 3 to 4 hours before retiring to bed for the day. This enables your body to digest food properly and by the time you go to sleep your body is already in a resting mode. For those who can’t cope with this routine, it is important for them to adjust their supper with light meals.
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Exercising too late into the night
The best time to exercise is during the morning. Exercising too late arouses your bodies heartbeat which in turn makes you feel restless.
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Electronic gadgets
It is advisable to avoid going to bed with your gadget as much as possible. For a good and enjoyable sleep, make sure you turn off your phone half an hour in advance. You might find yourself caught up scrolling through Instagram for five minutes, ten minutes, then suddenly it’s 4am. Good morning?
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Room temperature
Too hot, too cold… It’s a struggle. When the good ol’ one-leg-out-of-the-covers trick doesn’t work, take a minute to set up a fan in your room. Or if it’s cold, get a second, slightly thinner blanket and use it to make yourself into a human burrito.
Source: Photo by Judit Klein
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Caffeinated drinks
What you drink before going to bed can either deter or promote sleep. Stay away from caffeine and sugary drinks before you sleep, if you have to get your coffee, then do so 3 to 5 hours before. It has been noted that caffeine keeps one’s mind alert for long periods. For the coffee lovers practice taking it in the morning if you must avoid insomnia. Despite contrary belief, your favorite tea might actually contain caffeine while you’re there thinking it will put you to sleep)!
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Take a nap
Naps are great. Try to aim to take 30 minute naps, as it will leave you feeling the most rested and avoid the whole “why do I feel more tired after napping?!” situation. This, on the other hand, doesn’t mean that you should take a nap in the evening because you will end up losing sleep as a result. Plan your sleep and nap time such that they work and don’t collide subjecting you to lose sleep.
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Watching TV to sleep
Most people take this as a solution to fighting insomnia, but this is counterproductive. Your brain is aroused while watching TV, making your body restless. Also, the light confuses the brain such that it assumes it is daytime therefore falling asleep becomes tricky.
Follow the above-mentioned tips to help you get a good night’s rest, but it is also advisable to always seek the doctors in case of further sleep difficulties.
Sourced from: Bustle
Featured Image Photo by Jacob Stewart