If you’re sitting in bed at 3 a.m. unable to fall asleep, here’s how to go beyond counting sheep.
Food solves all, right?
Eat snacks with magnesium like almonds and cashews. You can also opt for warm milk, or chamomile tea to reduce anxiety and ease the mind.
Lay back – relax!
Techniques like yoga, deep breathing, and progressive relaxation are effective tools for increased sleep times and improved rest quality.
Toss the smartphone...
Artificial “blue” light stimulate daytime hormones in our brains. Refreshing your Twitter timeline every 5 seconds only makes things worse.
Don’t think, and especially don’t do.
TV off, don’t read, or do anything that requires you to think too hard. Just lay there silent, breathing… until you realize how your uncomfortable mattress is hurting your back. Yikes!
Be cool, be one with the dark.
Keep your bedroom temperature between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and use heavy curtains, blackout shades, or an eye mask to block any light.
Shhh, hear that silence?
You want total silence, but if you can’t block out the busy street outside – a fan, white noise machine, or other sounds you prefer might do the trick.
Finally, visualize sleep…
You’re drifting in a peaceful slumber, breathing deeply. Start at one end of your body and work down, clench and then release each section of muscles for an instant all-over relaxing sensation.