Early to bed, early to rise. Aptly so. However, when falling asleep is a challenge , the idea flies out the window. Often the problem is not getting into bed, it is getting to dreamland.
If you have been having great difficulty sleeping, and often wake up numerous times during your snooze session, chances are you are doing something to sabotage it. There is after all, a list of dos and don’ts for quality sleep, the kind little babies have.
Do you sleep with the air conditioner switched on? If you do you might want to watch the temperature. Contrary to popular belief , it is actually doing you more harm than good if the temperature is TOO low. The ideal temperature should be around 19 °C to 24 °C. Anything lower than that and the body starts “working” internally to produce heat.
Food also plays a big role comes bedtime. Of course it is well documented that coffee helps you stay awake, therefore it is a big no no to have any 5 hours before you hit the bed. However, carbonated drinks also contains caffeine and disrupts your ability to fall asleep. Avoid alcohol and also too large a meal. The greasier the better does not necessarily apply here. It might slow you down, but that does not mean you will be sleeping peacefully.
It is also always recommended to use your bedroom only for sleeping and ahem, other bed related activities. The television belongs in the hall and your laptop, at a designated work station. Too much of glaring lights in your bedroom activates your brain and an activated brains means less sleep and more thinking.
Getting quality sleep is more important as opposed to quantity. Have a warm shower and wind down with a good book. Make a list of things you need to attend to the next day and stop worrying about it. If all else fails, round the sheep up and start counting them!
