Simple Ways to Stop Insomnia and Regain Sleep-Filled Nights

Most of us have sleepless nights on occasion. We toss and turn and hope Mr. Sandman will eventually make his way to our bedside to send us off to dreamland. Insomnia can be one of the most frustrating conditions to suffer from. It affects everything from your mood to your ability to concentrate on the road. Here are a few tips to help you catch your zzz's and feel better in the morning.

Stop drinking caffeinated beverages after dinner. Your best bet is to halt all caffeine intake after noon to be sure that you are completely clear by the time night time falls. Be aware of hidden sources of caffeine as well. Some teas contain caffeine as well as chocolate. Too much of these hidden sources can keep you tossing and turning.

Stay away from alcohol. You may think that that nightcap is helping you to relax, but it can actually prevent you from sleeping deeply. One glass of wine at dinner may not have too much of an affect on you, but it is best to take yourself completely off alcohol for a period of time and then work your way back on to see how much you can handle before it disturbs your sleep.

Start a bedtime routine. Learn to start to quiet yourself an hour or so before you hit the sheets. Drink some warm, uncaffeinated tea. Curl up with a daily devotional or light book. Turn down the lights and create a quiet atmosphere as well. Try things that require little movement and that are not over stimulating, but avoid playing on the computer or watching television. These activities can be stimulating with out you knowing it. This routine will help clue in your body that sleep time is near.

Avoid going over your to-do list. Many sleepless nights are caused by brains jumping into overdrive the second that our heads hit the pillows. This can be the hardest and most frustrating sleep depriver to overcome. Try to silence your thoughts. If that does not work, then replace them. Do some day dreaming. Use your imagination and place yourself in a comfortable, peaceful place. This could become part of your bedtime routine as well.

Almost 60 million citizens of the United States alone are affected by insomnia, so you are not alone in your sleeplessness. Be sure to check with your doctor if your sleep problems seem to get worse, are continuing for long stretches of time, or are negatively affecting your life. There are prescription medications that can alleviate sleep problems, and there are other illnesses that might be affecting your sleep. It is good to be sure that your insomnia is not a symptom of a worse condition. Also, there are many non-medication ways to treat insomnia and a sleep study may be in order.

Optimistically, these tips will inspire Mr. Sandman to visit your bedroom and whisk you away. May you have pleasant dreams.