Many people in today’s busy world do not get enough sleep. For some this is because of a lifestyle choice, but for many it is because they have trouble actually getting to sleep or prioritising sleep.
So why is sleep important?Lack of sleep is one of the significant causes of stress and surveys have shown that most adults are not getting enough sleep.
Counting sheep?
This is one way that has been tried for centuries. It involves imagining a large herd of sheep and counting each as the walk past or move through a gate. This might work for some if it help you to relax and stop thinking of other things that are worrying you.
Other tried and tested techniques include:
- Avoiding caffeine in the evening as caffeine is a stimulant and will keep you awake. Switch instead to decaffeinated coffee if you wish to drink coffee in the evening.
- Having a warm bath so help your whole body warm up and relax. As you need to be relaxed to full asleep, a warm bath helps you physically get ready for sleep.
- Read an undemanding book to help relax and clear you mind of anything causing worry.
- Ensure your bedroom is a calm and relaxed place. Remove items where possible that cause you worry or stress.
- Avoid electronic items with lights in the bedroom. Our eyes and body are sensitive to light and lights on computer equipment and phones can interrupt the natural night period and disrupt sleep.
- Keep mobile phones with social media away from the bedroom. Being disrupted by texts, posts and messages will interrupt the relaxation process.
- Have a regular bed time and stick to it. Our minds and bodies appreciate a regular routine and this is especially true of bedtime and sleep.
