How To Reduce Sleep Issues

Every year, sleeping disorders affect more than 40 million people in America. There are many things that can keep you from getting enough sleep, like work, household tasks, babies, worry, parties, or watching TV late at night. No matter why we don't get enough sleep, research has shown that it hurts our minds and bodies. Our bodies release hormones while we sleep that affect our mood, energy, memory, and ability to focus. Recent research has also shown that not getting enough sleep for a long time can lead to high blood pressure and make diabetes worse. With that in mind, here are some useful ways to reduce sleep issues where possible. 

 

Photo by Maierean Andrei

 

Sleep Issue – You’re In Pain

It seems obvious that a comfortable place to sleep is important for a good night's rest, but it's not just about having a soft mattress and a warm duvet. It's important to deal with pain the right way so that it doesn't keep you from sleeping and so that you have everything you might need during the night on hand. "Winding down" before bed is a good way to get our brains ready for sleep. For some people, taking a warm bath, drinking a milky drink, or doing some light muscle stretches can help them feel sleepy and reduce pain. For others, it's best to seek medical help. 

 

Sleep Issue – You’re Stressed 

Sometimes you might feel sleepy, and you might even make it into bed and feel comfortable, but then your brain will start worrying about all the things you have to do the next day or the problems you’re facing in life – you might even start to think about things that happened years ago and that are still troubling you. 

 

The best thing to do is to reduce your stress levels as much as possible. This might involve the warm bath mentioned above, or it could mean listening to music. Some people like to go for a walk or meditate. You also need to deal with the things that are worrying you, so you don’t lie awake thinking about them. Whether it’s your job, your money, your relationship, or the fact that you need to find a good nursing home abuse lawyer, making changes and taking action will help you sleep much better. 

 

Sleep Issue – Your Bedroom

Rooms should be kept between 18 and 24 degrees Celsius, be kept dark and quiet, and be kept neat and tidy if we want any possibility of falling asleep there. Some people find that blackout shades, thick curtains, or earplugs help them get a better night's sleep in the bedroom, especially if noise is an issue.

 

It's crucial to make sure our bedrooms aren't being used for anything other than sleep, so separating the bedroom from the rest of the house can help. In the end, light and the distraction of the TV or other electronic gadgets can stimulate the brain and make sleep elusive, so it's better to leave them in another room, if possible, or set them on airplane mode while you're attempting to unwind.