Regardless of age, sleep never stops being important. Sleep is the key to ensuring our bodies have time to recover and recharge from our day.
Insomnia is a sleep disorder that makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Those affected may notice an inability to feel refreshed after a night’s sleep, have a difficult time going to bed at a reasonable hour or lack concentration during the day.
Insomnia should not be ignored. The effects of lack of sleep come with a myriad of risks—irritability and digestive issues being just a few. Always consult with your doctors first to figure out what the right course of action is for. To start, here are a few ways to help you combat those restless nights
Keep a diary. A doctor may ask to see a sleep diary before recommending any sort of treatment. Carve out time first thing in the morning to write down an entry about the previous night’s sleep, things you’ve noticed about your sleep habits, and any concerns you have. Do your best to be consistent with your entries so your doctor can get the full scope of what’s going on.
Rely on routine. Nighttime can be scary and stressful when faced with the reality that you are going to be restless for the next couple of hours. Try your best to make your nighttime routine as Zen as possible and stick to it! Create a peaceful environment by avoiding TV or cellphone light and opting for some light reading or casual conversation with your roommate or partner. Put on your comfiest clothes and think of an activity that you know can help you relax, we love adult coloring books and crossword puzzles. The goal is to avoid too much stimulation before it’s time for lights-out.
Skip the treats. Grabbing those nighttime snacks before bed is a bad idea. Too much food before bed can keep your digestive system awake for a while. Stop eating or drinking for the night by 8pm to avoid a rowdy digestive system and frequent trips to the bathroom.
Getting your sleep back on track can be difficult but comes with only the best of benefits! Get ready for a healthier immune system, better focus and clarity throughout your day, a boost in overall mood, and even better exercise performance. Don’t ignore any lack of sleep. Be sure to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor as soon as you notice sleep is becoming an issue.
