Sleep is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies and our minds. Some people require medication and if your insomnia is severe, you may want to consult your physician, it may be the result of another health problem. However, if your insomnia is sporadic, there are some natural ways to help you fall asleep that does not require a prescription medication.
We offer you 7 ways to fall asleep when you can’t:
1. Prepare for sleep
Many of us have busy days that cause us to remain hyped up at night when it’s time for bed. The thoughts and events of the day haunt us in a way where we cannot wind down. The best thing to do is to prepare for sleep. At a certain time at night, turn off the electronics and digital devices, even your cell phone if you can. Some people take care of others or have kids old enough to be out and don’t feel comfortable doing that, but the ipod, television, and laptops can go off without disturbing that fact. Get the house quiet and sit still for a while until you naturally relax into a state in which you can slowly drift into sleep.
2. Have an early dinner
If possible, have your dinner before 7pm. Eating late can disturb your body clock because your body is still digesting its food. Having an earlier dinner time without snacking the rest of the night, can help your body to go into sleep mode when it’s time. Allow your food to have time to digest naturally and then prepare for bed.
3. Chamomile tea
Chamomile tea is well-known for causing drowsiness. Not only is it a sleep agent naturally, but taking the time to prepare it and sip comfortably is a habit that may just help you to relax every night. Drink your tea about an hour before bed. This will give you time to go to the restroom one last time and then crawl into bed for a good night’s rest.
4. Lavender
Fresh or dried lavender is easy to acquire. Lavender has been used since ancient times as a natural relaxant. You can put lavender under your pillow, sprinkle it onto your sheets, bathe in it, or if you are into essential oils, place a drop or two on the bottoms of your feet. Your body will process it quickly in that location. If you don’t want to feel it on your sheets, place it under the fitted sheet and you will drift off peacefully in no time, especially if you make it a habit.
5. Warm milk or cocoa
It is true that warm milk makes you drowsy and cocoa is made with milk as a warm drink. Both warm milk or warm cocoa are soothing and again, the process of making these drinks for yourself tells your body that it is bedtime. Once you make a habit of either drinking warm milk, cocoa, or tea that is caffeine free, you will find that your occasional insomnia will begin to disappear.
6. White noise
White noise has worked for a lot of people who choose this way of going to sleep. Some people cannot tolerate pure silence, so playing a video or cd with white noise on it, at medium level will help solve that issue that stops many people from being kept awake due to their constant thoughts.
7. Meditation
Meditation is another great way to fall asleep. Now, you don’t want to fall asleep during your meditation as it also holds other benefits for the mind and body, but afterwards you should be calm and ready to relax. Choose some soothing music if you find meditation frustrating or a guided meditation that is designed and recorded for sleeping.