Night, Sleep Tight

It has yet to be found out exactly why our bodies need sleep, however it is known that sleep is essential for our survival. However, most people don't get enough sleep or get a good night's sleep. With all the distractions around us and stress put upon us, sometimes it's difficult to get to bed at a good time and to fall asleep as soon as our heads hit the pillow.

We all know what it feels like to go through our day on barely any sleep. It doesn't feel very good. It's no fun being groggy and drowsy. However, it doesn't always take Lunesta, Tylenol PM or whatever other medications are out there to achieve a good night's sleep. There are things that can be done naturally to achieve a better sleep.

Of course, avoiding caffeine close to bed time can be very helpful. It is best not to drink caffeine or particular foods that are high in fat, spicy or high in salt in the afternoon or the evening. There are vitamins that you can take that can help you to sleep more soundly. Vitamin B complex, which can be found in egg yolks, fish and whole grains as well as vitamin C which can be found in oranges, orange juice, fruit tarts and dark, leafy greens are two vitamins that will help you to get a better night sleep, so try to take in foods that involve those vitamins.

Something that many people have trouble with is setting a regular bedtime. If you fall asleep at drastically different times every night, it can be very difficult for your body to know when to get ready for sleep. Even on weekends, when you are tempted to stay up later than usual, try to stick to your bedtime. It doesn't take much to fall out of the routine. Of course, it can be difficult to get into a routine of going to bed at the same time. If you normally fall asleep between let's say 11 p.m. and 3 a.m. it can be difficult to try to make yourself fall asleep at 10 p.m., so start by trying to get yourself to sleep fifteen minutes later every night, that way your body has time to get used to the change. Also, try to wake up around the same time every day.

Believe it or not your bedroom has a huge effect on how well and how often you sleep. There are plenty of noise makers that you can buy or even apps on your iPod or iPhone that can be used as noise makers (many very good free ones in fact). These can help by creating noise that can help you sleep, such as white noise, thunder, rain or even some soft music. Darkness is a must, especially if sleep is very difficult for you. You can buy eyeshades if it there are lights in your bedroom that bother you, I find eyeshades to be particularly effective. Make sure your bedroom is at a good temperature. If it is too hot or too cold it can affect your sleep.

Of course, we've all heard about how mattress can affect us. That is why they have memory foam mattresses and sleep number beds. It's true, if you're constantly in pain and sore when you wake up, you may want to consider a different mattress.

Most importantly, relax. You have to get your body into a relaxed state to make sleep easier. Televisions stimulate your mind and will make it harder for you to fall asleep. In fact, try to avoid watching television in your bed whenever possible, so that your body doesn't associate lying in bed with watching television.

Meditation, yoga, stretching or muscle relaxation can help you to relax your body to sleep. You can also use guided imagery to bring yourself to a peaceful place. Fill your room with calming scents, such as lavender or chamomile.

When you lie down for the night, breathe deeply and relax. Try your best to clear your mind. There are many things that you can try and many variations of things to try. Just remember, sleep is very important.

Resources -

http://helpguide.org/life/sleep_tips.htm

http://www.life123.com/health/natural-remedies/insomnia/sweet-dreams-seven-natural-ways-to-sleep-better.shtml