Insomnia has developed into a widespread problem across the United States. There’s a good chance the person reading this article has either dealt with insomnia themselves, or knows of someone bothered by the sleep disorder.
Statistically speaking, insomnia reportedly develops in one out of every four Americans. 30-to-35-percent of adults are said to have some form of insomnia (whether brief or chronic). Insomnia should not be taken lightly in any circumstance.
Many medical reports indicate that chronic insomnia can lead to a number of health issues — including memory issues, fatigue, daytime sleepiness, and a lessening in concentration.
Fortunately, there are a number methods used in order to combat insomnia. The following will aid in one’s quest for optimal sleep.
Sleep Aids
Some sleep aids can be acquired without much in the way of difficulty. In fact, many of them are over-the-counter options — and thus are without any sort of prescription requirement.
Common sleep aid brands of the over-the-counter variety include Aleve, Advil, and Benadryl. Valerian is a type of sleep aid which is made from plants. A very popular option in recent years is Melatonin. This aid can come in the form of pills, though there are a number of products where Melatonin is laced into another edible item (such as chocolate).
Rid Oneself of Stimulants
There are products used each and every day which could contribute to insomnia and its tendencies. Caffeine is one stimulant which can keep someone up deep into the night, and thus prevent them from falling asleep. Caffeine is found copiously in both coffee and soda. Alcohol in particular is said to disrupt sleep patterns when consumed to excess.
Duly, one must separate the bed from other activities. A bedroom setting is normally used for sleep and sexual activity. Aside from that, the use of a cell phone, laptop, or other electronic device could lead to insomnia. Lastly, one should avoid studying for long stretches of time on a bed.
Be Comfortable
Above all else, those suffering from insomnia should look to de-stress with an activity of their choosing. One could opt to meditate, or use breathing exercises.
Additionally, one’s bed should be viewed as the most comfortable thing in the home. The temperature from within the bedroom needs to be perfect — as does the lighting and the actual comfort from pillows, comforters, and blankets.
Lastly, avoid eating or drinking directly before going to bed. An excess of fluids right before sleep could also cause repeated trips to the bathroom during the evening. This too could lead to insomnia.
Image Source: Mayo Clinic