Falling Asleep Naturally

Everyone has trouble falling asleep sometimes. Some people more than others. If you have become dependent on sleep aids to knock you out, here are some ways you can help your body go to sleep naturally without drugs.

You already know it, so now do it - cut back on caffeine. To ensure you will fall asleep at night stop caffeine by early afternoon or better yet, cut it out all together. Remember, caffeine is found in soft drinks, tea and chocolate as well as coffee. Some medicines also contain caffeine. Sugar is a stimulant too so skip dessert with dinner and watch out for sugary sodas.

Go to bed at a set time every night so your body knows it's time to fall asleep. To work with your natural rhythms go to bed by 10 pm to fall asleep naturally. If you schedule does not allow this, at least set a bedtime a stick to it. Create a bedtime routine that will signal your body that it's time to go to sleep. Prepare for bed in the same way every night so it becomes routine to fall asleep.

Make your bedroom a calm relaxing environment so you can fall asleep naturally. Avoid bright colors and clutter. Leave the TV in the living room and make your bedroom a room where falling asleep is the primary activity. You don't have to be an expert in Feng Shui, just make the room peaceful and calming. Get room darkening shades to block out light and keep your room as quite as possible.

Avoid watching TV or reading in the hour before you fall asleep. These traditional activities can actually stimulate your mind and keep you awake. The same goes for surfing the internet, working online or playing video games. A warm bath works on adults as well as babies, give it a try to see if it helps you fall asleep.

Regular exercise can help you fall asleep, but don't do it at night. Make your workout a morning one and enjoy the benefits at bed time. Losing weight may help you sleep better at night so add it to the list of good reasons to lose weight.

One the one hand, a glass of warm milk or herbal tea such as chamomile really will help you fall asleep naturally. On the other hand, this practice may lead to waking up at night for a bathroom visit. You will have to decide whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

If you are unable to fall asleep naturally check with your doctor. A medical condition or problem could be keeping you awake. Let your doctor decide if you need medication and play it safe.