Five Sleep Aids to Improve Your Sleep Quality
A good night of sleep is essential for your overall health. Insomnia is a condition that makes it difficult to fall asleep, or sleep through the night. Insomnia can be a sleep disorder that makes falling asleep difficult or making it difficult to stay asleep.
Adults need between seven and nine hours sleep each night. This number can vary from one person to another and may not be the same for everyone. The quality of your sleep every night is more important than how many hours you sleep. As you get older, your sleep requirements will change.
Insomnia can make you feel tired all day. It can also affect your emotional and physical health. Lack of sleep can lead to a decline in your ability to focus and mood. Your risk of developing conditions such as depression, obesity, heart disease and diabetes may also be higher.
Insomnia Treatments and Remedies
These are some of the most common causes of insomnia:
- Depression, stress, and anxiety
- Uncomfortable sleeping conditions such as temperature or light, can result in uncomfortable sleep conditions.
- Noise
- Use of drugs
- Hours of irregular shift work
- Alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine
There are many home remedies for insomnia. You can improve your sleep quality by changing your routines and habits.
Exercise
One of the best ways to combat insomnia is to get some exercise every day. Not only is exercise good for your health, but it can also improve your sleep quality.
Exercise releases endorphins which make you feel awakened and energized. Try to exercise earlier in the morning. Avoid exercising within two hours of going to bed.
Sleep hygiene
You can overcome insomnia by practicing good sleep hygiene and habits. You should follow a consistent sleep schedule each night.
It is important to avoid sleeping throughout the day. You will feel more tired at night if you do this.
Nutrition
Your sleep quality may also depend on what you eat and drink. A healthy diet can have many benefits, but you should not eat large meals within two hours of your bedtime.
The same applies to caffeine and alcohol. Both caffeine and alcohol can have a negative effect on your sleep quality or make it difficult to fall asleep. Avoid caffeine after mid-afternoon, and drink alcohol only after dinner.
Warm milk or chamomile tea is a popular remedy for insomnia. Both have been shown to help you fall asleep faster by affecting the brain.
Light Regulation
It’s easier for you to fall asleep in a darkened room. To block out any light that might wake you, use thick curtains or blinds. Or use a sleep mask.
Artificial light is also exempted from this rule. Before you go to bed, avoid watching TV or using your tablet or phone. The stimulating effects of full-spectrum light from electronic devices can make it difficult to fall asleep. Try relaxing instead by reading, listening or taking a hot bath before you go to bed.
Don’t wake up in middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Use a flashlight instead to guide you to the bathroom. It can take you longer to fall asleep due to the overhead light in the bathroom.
Relaxation
Your most difficult tasks and challenges should be completed earlier in the morning, not just after bedtime. Make your bedroom ready for relaxation and dim the lights. You may also consider purchasing earplugs or a white noise machine.
You can hide the clocks in your bedroom so you don’t get distracted by them at night. It can be difficult to fall asleep and overcome insomnia if you are constantly worried about it.
When should you see a doctor?
You may need to visit a doctor if you have tried many different remedies for your insomnia. Your doctor might perform a physical exam, and ask questions about your sleeping habits and patterns.
If your insomnia persists for more than a few months or is affecting your daily activities, you should consult a doctor. You may be offered a treatment such as asleep aid, or behavioral therapy. This will help you develop better sleep habits and change your perception of sleep.