Insomnia is a problem for many people. If you are having a hard time falling asleep, there are ways to prevent this. From what you eat and drink to your bedroom environment, here are five easy ways to break your insomnia habit.
- Eating Too Close to Bedtime
Sometimes, insomnia can occur if you eat food too close to the time you go to bed. Your system needs time to digest food and eating later at night can keep you from easily falling asleep. Also, eating a heavy meal at dinner can cause insomnia problems. It is best to eat a heavy meal a bit earlier in the day and eat a smaller meal for dinner.
- Drinks to Avoid Before Bedtime
Many times, the drinks you consume too close to your bedtime can cause you to have a difficulty falling asleep. Drinks containing caffeine should be avoided several hours before your bedtime. Caffeine is a stimulant that will keep you awake. Instead of a caffeinated drink, try drinking herbal or chamomile tea around thirty minutes before you plan on getting into bed. Another drink to avoid close to bedtime is alcohol. Alcohol can disrupt your sleep, and it may even wake you up in the middle of the night.
- Bedroom Environment
A relaxing bedroom environment can be helpful in preventing insomnia. Be sure your bedroom isn't too cluttered. Sometimes, you may keep yourself from going to sleep by focusing on the items that need cleaning or organizing in your bedroom. You really want to focus on getting to sleep instead of what you need to clean. If you have a home office in your bedroom, consider moving it to another room. You should sleep in your bedroom, not work there. Another way to create a relaxing bedroom environment is to include scents in your bedroom. You could try a lavender scent in your bedroom. Research has shown that lavender scents help to calm and relax you, leading to easier sleep.
- Activities to Avoid Before Bedtime
You may want to avoid any strenuous exercise a few hours before your bedtime. Heavy exercising can get in the way of a good night's sleep. Your body isn't relaxed enough if you have just worked out.
- Create a Routine
Another way to help prevent insomnia is to create a routine that will help you fall asleep. It may help you to take a relaxing bath to soothe your nerves and help you relax. You may want to try reading a book or magazine. If you prefer scary stories, this may not be a good time to read that type of book. You might like to read a more light-hearted story or thumb through a magazine to help you to become drowsy. You may find that some relaxing music will help you to unwind. You could also try meditation to help you relax.
You don't have to completely change your lifestyle in order to get a good night's sleep. However, a few changes can make a big difference in preventing insomnia.
