Sunday, November 15, 2009

How do I fall asleep faster?

By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International

The phone’s ringing, the dog’s barking, your baby’s crying, and your boss is yelling at you. These are just some of the things that happen during our hectic lives. With our days jam-packed with meetings, work to finish, kids to take care of, commutes to make, and meals to cook, it is no wonder we are tired by the end of the night. Yet, when we lie down to sleep, many of us have difficulty finding rest quickly. Insomnia plagues millions of Americans, so what are some ways to fall asleep village of slumber faster.

* Start a bedtime routine: It’s no secret that kids benefit from nightly bedtime routines, so why can’t you too? Take a warm, soaking bath, drink a cup of hot chamomile tea, put on some soothing music, or read a book. All of these things can help you relax.

* Exercise: This will not only keep you healthy in general, but will also wear your body out.

* Create a relaxing environment: Put in earplugs to drown out unnecessary noise, and make sure your room is cool and dark.

* Clear your mind: Stress can negatively impact you in a lot of areas, including your sleep. So to avoid tossing and turning, try to shut your brain off by writing things down before bed instead of mulling them over in your head all night.

* Massage: Massage is a proven effective tool to relax those aching, tensed muscles. It not only feels great, but can help you relax enough to unwind and fall into a deep sleep.

* Scents: Try using aromatherapy to relax your senses and reduce stress. There are lots of different scents on the market today, such as lavender or sandalwood oil, that are marketed as beneficial aromatherapy products.

* Snacks: A light snack (maybe some toast with peanut butter?) can help you feel full and comfortable before going to sleep. But remember, eating a full meal before bed isn’t a good idea.

* Turn off the television and computer: Don’t stimulate your brain too much with computer games or television shows. Turn them off well before bed time.

We spend a lot of our time sleeping. With a little work, you can get deep, meaningful sleep, and enjoy it during the process.

References

[1] 15 Tips to Fall Asleep more Quickly. Sixwise.com. Accessed on the Web November 7, 2009. http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/08/04/02/15-tips-to-fall-asleep-more-quickly.htm

[2] How to Fall Asleep Quickly. Associated Content. Accessed on the Web November 7, 2009. http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2096739/how_to_fall_asleep_quickly_pg2_pg2.html?cat=5

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