The Importance of Improving Sleeping Habits
Why improving sleeping habits is so important…
Research suggests that on average most adults need between 7 – 9 hours sleep a night in order to function to the best of their ability. Unfortunately, the reality is that with increasingly stressful, busy schedules we often don’t get the optimal amount of sleep. There are many things that may prevent us from getting a good night’s sleep, in my case it is chronic spinal pain, but other issues such as stress and anxiety have a major impact on how well we sleep.
Lack of sleep can cause various problems and hinder our every day lives. Issues caused by lack of sleep can include; a lack of motivation, reduced ability to cope with stress, increased frustration and moodiness, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment and a lowered immune system, making you more prone to illness. These are to name but a few of the results of lack of sleep.
My story…
I am 28 years young and have been diagnosed with chronic spinal pain syndrome. In short, that means, I am in pain most of the day, every day. My main problem is lack of sleep, I find it extremely difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. I have tried various medications, acupuncture and physiotherapy. Many of these have not solved my issues with sleep and all of the pills I have tried have left me feeling groggy and nauseous. I often find myself lying in bed trying to sleep but for some reason my eyes are still wide open. I often feel frustrated, upset and above all else, knackered! I frequently fall into the dangerous trap of ‘clock watching’ where I get increasingly anxious as the hours disappear, resulting in even more frustration and the inability to get to sleep.
Don’t worry – it’s not all doom and gloom! I have found an answer!
My eyes have been opened to the importance of a good night’s sleep and just how much difference simple, easy tasks can make. The following are to name but a few;
10 easy to follow tips for improving sleep
Try engaging in a bedtime routine to let your body know its time for sleep.
Get up at the same time every morning – this helps to regulate your body clock.
Exercise can help to deepen sleep, however it should not be done too close to bedtime.
Keep your room at a moderate temperature as excessive heat can disturb sleep
Try to avoid drinks that include caffeine, such as coffee and alcohol in the evenings, these act as stimulants.
If you smoke then be aware that tobacco can affect sleep, try not to smoke for at least an hour before bedtime.
Try to make time earlier in the evening to work through any thoughts about your day, or any plans for the next day – do not take your problems to bed.
If you do not fall asleep quickly then do not lie in bed becoming increasingly frustrated. Get up and do something else until you feel sleepy, e.g. reading a book, listening to relaxing music.
If you are a ‘clock watcher’ like myself then try moving your clock to a place where you are less likely to be checking it every few minutes.
Only use the bedroom for sleeping and sex – watching TV, using a computer or eating in the bedroom for example can all lead to sleep disturbance.
I was sceptical at first and have always thought ‘bedtime routines’ were more for children, however, I have been proven wrong. By following these tips (along with other techniques I have found) I have learnt that you really can make a difference, they really do work! Inevitably, there will be night’s where you may fall out of routine, or think to yourself ‘just this once it won’t do any harm’ – but trust me, I’ve been there and it takes you right back to square one.
Stick to these easy to follow tips and see what a difference you can make to your happiness and well-being!
You may be wondering where I got these tips from, well, I discovered an amazing downloadable guide which takes you through tips and techniques of how to improve your sleeping habits. The best part is, all the ideas are easy to implement and completely natural, meaning there is not need for medication.
Imagine being able to fall asleep quickly, easily and to not wake up until your alarm goes off… sounds nice doesn’t it? Well, it is possible, and surprisingly easy to achieve.
The guide is instantly available so you wont have to wait long to see results. If you order, you receive an awesome 60 minute Relaxation Audio for FREE and the author offers a no questions asked, money back guarantee so you really have nothing to lose (other than even more sleepless nights).
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