Getting enough sleep is a real problem in our society.
Much of that is due to lifestyle factors such as diet,
lifestyle, and stress. Here are a few
recommendations that may help. Happy snoozing!
1. Avoid distractions in the bedroom. The
bedroom should be a restful peaceful place reserved
for sleeping and sex. TV watching, paperwork,
projects, phonecalls etc should not occur in the
bedroom . I realize this is an ideal scenario and
many people have space considerations in their
living situation, but do your best to clear the bedroom
of any distractions.
2. Avoid caffeine, nicotine and
alcohol. These disrupt the area of the brain used for
sleep and can hinder a good night sleep.
3.
Learn to manage your stress levels. Yoga,
meditation, prayer, regular exercise, and therapeutic
massage can be helpful in this regard. Craniosacral
therapy is also helpful in finding and achieving that
deep state of relaxation.
4. If your adrenal glands
are weak (from chronic stress and exhaustion) then
your cortisol levels will be disrupted which will disrupt
your sleep and contribute to weight gain. See a
practitioner to help strengthen and balance your
adrenal glands and your sleep will probably improve.
5. Female hormones that are out of balance can
contribute to disrupted sleep patterns. This often
happens during perimenopause. Balancing your
hormones can also aid in improving your sleep.
6. The following natural substances may also be
helpful. GABA, melatonin, L-theanine, and 5-HTP
among others can be helpful. Please see a qualified
naturopath , homeopath, acupuncturist or herbalist
for a professional opinion and formulation for your
unique situation.
7. Good nutrition can go a long
way in supporting the body during times of stress.
Eating a high protein diet, avoiding a lot of
carbohydrates and sugars is often very useful in
balancing the blood sugar. Balanced blood sugar
levels will also support a good night's sleep.
Find out more....
