Have A Great Sleep And Leave Insomnia Behind

I hope you had a good night sleep last night. Of course you didn't! That's why you are back here isn't it? Sorry to tease you, I know insomnia is no laughing matter. In my last article I discussed what to do, to avoid insomnia. Today we look at what positive actions you can take to sleep better tonight.

Firstly your bedroom: It should be a space for sleep and great relationships. It's not your office. It's not your television room. Why not? Because we, you me and everyone else create specific mental associations with every common space we use in our lives.

If your bedroom is a place where you do your accounts, or where you watch action movies, then you will create certain associations, which will be difficult to shut off when you decide its time to sleep.

2. Reading is OK, but... If you can't sleep then be careful of the content, i.e. reading a thriller is not going to be helpful. Reading technical books or journals will also fire your brain up, again not useful for sleep. Best to choose something enjoyable and relaxing.

Ensure that your room is darkened and as sound proof as possible. If this is difficult then buy earplugs and eye shades. The plugs will be handy if your partner is a snorer. But.... If they are a mega snorer then the plugs won't help much as the snoring will vibrate through the bed and pillows. If this is the case then you have 3 choices:

1. Sleep in another room.
2. Have your partner sleep in another room. You may need to record them as they may not believe you. Look for coming articles on snoring.
3. Put up with it and tough it out. Good luck.

Aids to help you sleep: I am not personally keen on sleeping tablets, however I did take one on a long haul flight and I did actually sleep, which is usually difficult for me on planes. Use sleeping tablets selectively as they can become addictive, and you may awake feeling quite dopey, which may impair your ability to drive.

Alternatives are:

1. Nutrients: Magnesium - available as a complex in powder or tablet form. Take 1 teaspoon an hour before bed. The great thing about magnesium is that it relaxes, it doesn't sedate. You can also take a dose in the morning to give you energy as it is the one of the co-enzymes in energy production in your cells. It energizes without stimulating. It's great. Powder is best as it is absorbed rapidly.

2. Herbs: Valerian, skullcap, lemon balm and chamomile are a great combination. Chamomile tea (perhaps with some lemon & honey to taste) is also great as a late night warm drink.

Another late night relaxing drink is Masala Chai. Recipe: Add a stick of cinnamon, some grated or powdered nutmeg, a pinch of each of ginger, cumin and turmeric to a cup of milk. Bring it to the just to the boil, then remove it from heat, pour in to a mug and sip. Very tasty.

Get started with as many of these tips as possible. As your sleep improves, many other things in your life will too.