Trouble Sleeping?
Sleep is essential to all human beings. Its helps us to repair damaged cells in the body, balance out the hormone levels, and keep us functioning normally. A lack of sleep may cause the brain to malfunction, erratic behaviour, and even a hormonal imbalance. That is why you see sleep-deprived teenagers not only suffer from dark circles and eye bags, but also acne. Sleeping increases the concentration levels and ensures that the brain is fully functioning in its tip top condition. A deprivation of sleep may cause this concentration levels to drop dramatically and affect how the brain perceive things. Thus, burning the midnight oil may not make you as productive as getting enough sleep. It is better if you sleep 8 hours, then get up and rush your deadline. Your mind will be more alert and you will be able to get more things done more effectively and effectively in a shorter time as compared to a less alert mind over a longer period of time.
I am sure we all understand the importance of sleep, but yet, falling asleep may not be an easy task, especially in today’s fast paced society. There is so much to do, but so little time, and stress stimulants are everywhere. Stress is a major cause for insomnia, and a lot of people actually suffer from insomnia and rely on sleeping pills and alcohol to fall asleep. In the long run, it may be very damaging to the body when the body starts to depend on them to fall asleep. This relationship between sleep and drugs will turn into an addiction. I cannot stress the importance of sleep and falling asleep naturally.
Here are some ways to help you fall asleep naturally:
1. Take a warm shower
The heat from the warm shower will help to relax tense muscles, making it easier for you to fall asleep.Drink warm milk.
Warm milk can help to soothe your nervous system. Milk contains calcium, which works as a natural muscle relaxant and helps you to handle stress.
2. Listen to slow, soothing music
Slow music helps to slow down your heart rate to prepare it for sleep. Music can help relax the mind and induce a deeper, restful sleep. There are music that mimics the heartbeat, designed specifically for the purpose for inducing sleep.
3. Drink Camomile tea
Camomile tea is known for its soothing properties on the nervous system. It has been used as a natural sleeping aid for ages and is one of the best herbal sleep remedies available in the mass market. It works spontaneously, which drinking it can immediately sure sleeplessness and anxiety on the spot.
4. Avoid caffeine stimulants
Stimulants such as caffeine awaken the body by raising your heartbeat to increase blood flow to your brain and body. Foods such as chocolate, soda, coffee all contain caffeine and should be avoided before bedtime. However, caffeine affects people differently. There are some people who can stay sleepless for 2 days because of 1 cup of coffee. These are caffeine sensitive people and they should avoid caffeine altogether.
5. Avoid alcohol
Although alcohol can make you drowsy and want to fall asleep, it actually makes your body dehydrated and you make end up waking up and having a harder time falling asleep when you do.
6. If you cannot get to sleep, get up
If you cannot get to sleep, don’t stay in bed. Get up and do something. Staying in bed will add to your stress about worrying that you will not get enough sleep. Go back to bed when you are feeling sleepy.
7. Avoid naps
Avoid naps in the day, they can disrupt your normal sleeping pattern. If you must, limit it to 20 minute power naps.
Remember, no matter what, you should never compromise your sleep. Sleeping well ensures that you will remain in tip-top condition and maintain good health. Something you will value in time to come.
- Cherie Koh
