Thursday, January 29, 2009

Prone to Insomnia? Try These Preventative Steps

By Rose K Taylor

If you are prone to insomnia, is it easier to stay awake and keep busy or like in bed waiting for sleep to take you away? Sleeplessness can be discouraging night after night when the problem seems to persist.

There are medications on the market to help those prone to insomnia. Sleep aids are known to provide restful sleep to those having trouble with sleep conditions. Most people don't want to become dependent on medicines and feel the side effects the next morning. Here are some preventative steps:

Avoid consuming stimulants : When it's time for bed, nothing should hinder you from getting some sleep. To that end, avoid anything containing products that will raise your heart rate and keep you alert. This includes soda, alcohol, tobacco, and coffee of course. Alcohol is not a stimulant but it does interrupt sleep patterns.

Use your bed for lovemaking and sleep: Conduct work, watch television, and read in other rooms of the house. Leave the bedroom for activities that are traditional to it. Sleep and lovemaking are both relaxing. You want to stay in that frame of mind in your bedroom.

Get moving: Exercise gives you a relaxing sleep afterwards. At least thirty minutes of exercise is recommended on most days of the week according to the American Heart Association. You are bound to see a pattern of better sleep with regular a regular exercise program.

Establish a routine: There is something to be said for repetition. Going to bed at the same time each night gets the body ready for sleep. Relaxing rituals like showering or taking a bath every night before going to bed gives your mind time to unwind from the day and settle down.

Get in a comfortable position : You'll get your best night's sleep when you are comfortable. Work to turn your bedroom into a sleep haven. Use an eye mask or earplugs to shut out all light and all noise in the bedroom. As far as your bed itself, invest in a proper mattress, pillows, and bedding that feels good. We sleep for 33 percent of our lives, we deserve the best.

Don't pressure yourself: Relax and let sleep come to you. Your anxiety will only increase if you let everyone know what you are trying to do. Too much pressure is a stressor that prevents sleep from happening. Turn your thoughts to happy memories or anything that is upbeat and relaxes you.

Relax your muscles: To help your body relax, breathe in slowly, hold for a moment and then slowly breathe out. As you exhale let your body sink down into the bed and imagine your tension drifting away. Perform this breathing routine several times as you lie in bed. - 16036

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