10 Ways To Cure Insomnia

According to the NHS, the first step in treating insomnia is to "find out whether the problem is being caused by an underlying medical condition." Book an appointment with your GP to determine if your insomnia is the result of a medical condition or something less worrisome. Other causes of insomnia include high stress levels, depression and an overall negative sleeping pattern. It is worth trying out different ways in which to cure yourself of this burden so that you can rest peacefully and wake up ready to take on the day.

1. Unwind Before Bed

Sometimes all you need to fall asleep is a hot bubble bath, a glass of warm milk and a good old fashioned eye mask. Relaxing activities before bed may also help you to sleep and unwind such as listening to soft music or reading. Don't do this just before hitting the hay, but earlier in the evening to distract the mind from the working day and to help relieve the stresses of everyday life.

2. Avoid Certain Beverages

Try your best to resist the urge to gulp down a steaming cup of coffee or tea before getting under the covers. Consuming caffeine so late is likely to keep you awake for some time longer than you'd like. It is also a good idea to avoid alcohol and nicotine in the evenings as both are thought to worsen the effects of insomnia.

3. Develop a Sleep Schedule

A disjointed sleeping pattern may be a contributing factor to your insomnia. By simply hitting the sack at the same time each night, your brain will begin to adapt to your new routine which will improve your sleeping habits.

4. Avoid Heavy Meals at Night

Try not to eat before bed as this will leave your stomach feeling "heavy" which is a common reason why many people find that they can’t slip into a deep sleep at night.

5. Do Not Work in Bed

It is important that you associate your bed with sleep and you can do this by limiting what activities are carried out in bed. For instance, it is best not to work in bed or watch too much TV as this will make you more alert when you return to sleep.

6. Turn the Clock Away

The NHS actually advises that you avoid checking and watching the clock while trying to sleep. This is probably due to the fact that watching a clock will make you more time-conscience and before you know it, you’re counting the hours and still haven’t slept a wink.

7. Relaxing Sound Apps

It may be worth downloading an app to your phone that plays soothing sounds such as classical music, nature sounds or even a gentle ocean soundtrack that may help to relax your mind as well as your body.

8. Resist "Day Napping"

Napping during the day will make it more difficult for you to have a good sleep at night. But if you must have a nap then www.helpguide.org advises that you limit your nap to 30 minutes before 3 p.m.

9. Avoid Stimulating Activities

Watching TV or playing intense video games before bed will cause your brain to be too alert to sleep. Avoid these activities and pick up a novel instead.

10. Sleep in a Comfortable Environment

People tend to sleep best when the room is cool, dark and quiet. Create a comfortable setting and you will be able to sleep better.