Approximately one-third of all Americans complain of insomnia and other sleep problems. In response, many people turn to sleeping aids in their quests to find rest. While medications can help you temporarily sleep better, relying on them can prove detrimental to your sleep cycle. To help you avoid exacerbating your sleep troubles, we explain what you should know about sleeping better, and a few tips you should try instead of turning to pharmaceutical sleep aids.
Tips for Better Sleep
Sleep aids are common enough that many of them are sold over-the-counter, although they are not as potent as their prescribed counterparts. Because of their easy accessibility, some people emay immediately turn to these sleep aids rather than trying to have their sleep condition diagnosed and treated. Unfortunately, nondiscriminatory use of sleeping pills, even if they are OTC, can wreak havoc with your sleep architecture and cycle, aggravating your problem rather than helping it.
If you are having trouble sleeping, try the following tips before opting for medication:
- Lie down and rise from bed at the same times every day. Establishing a routine will allow your body to understand when it’s supposed to go to sleep, helping you regain a proper sleep cycle.
- As part of your routine, begin winding down 30 minutes to an hour before bed time every night. Read a book in low light, listen to soft music, take a hot shower, or find another soothing ritual to help your body relax enough to fall asleep.
- Refrain from exercising, eating large meals, or consuming caffeine at least two hours before going to sleep. These activities can make it more difficult for you to relax and get comfortable in bed, making it harder for you to fall asleep.
- Make your bedroom sleep friendly by keeping it dark and the temperature moderate. If your room is too hot or too cold, you may spend the night trying to defeat your discomfort rather than sleeping.
Learn More About How to Find More Restful Sleep
If you have trouble sleeping, then try these tips or visit our experts for a sleep apnea analysis. To learn more, schedule a consultation by calling Houston Sleep Solutions in Spring, TX, at (281) 320-2000, or in Pearland, TX, at (832) 564-3508.