“My father said there were two kinds of people in the world: givers and takers.
The takers may eat better, but the givers sleep better.”
~ Marlo Thomas
Hypnosis to the Rescue
If you’re anything like me, getting a good night’s sleep is necessary for me to function reasonably the next day. Without a full 7 or 8 hours it’s like I’m a walking zombie. The following day, whether at work OR at play, is torture.
Is there anything you can do to help you get a better night’s sleep? Surprisingly there are actually quite a few. It’s amazing how many things, even the smallest factors, can have an effect on your zzz’s.
Let’s take a look!
- Even the faintest light can impact our quality of sleep. Power down your cell phones or digital clocks to help you wake well-rested. While you’re at it, turn your clock around so you can’t see the numbers. If you wake up you’ll be less inclined to check the time, which can cause your mind to start racing.
- Turn off computers, tablets, or TVs one hour before you go to bed. The blue light found in these devices stimulate the brain too much and cause you to lose sleep.
- While the occasional nap can be good for you, keep them to 20 minutes or less and definitely not in the evening.
- Trying to sleep when your body is hurting can be impossible. Put a pillow between your legs to help alleviate back pain. Also make sure you have a high quality pillow that supports the natural curve of your neck.
- Your Mattress. Get a dust-proof cover for your mattress to help stop dust and mite allergy symptoms that can keep you awake.
- Save Your Bed For… Sleep and sex only! Doing other things like work, watching TV, or using a computer won’t help you get a better night’s rest.
- Even on weekends try and get up and go to bed at roughly the same time every day. This will help get your body into a healthy routine, leading to better shut eye.
- It’s widely known that caffeine has a negative effect on your sleep. Make sure you’re looking for caffeine that can be hidden in foods and medications too, like chocolate and some pain relievers!
- Working Out. While working out can have amazing benefits for healthy sleep, you want to make sure you’re not pumping iron too close to your bed time. Give yourself 3-4 hours before you go to bed after a workout.
- Avoid eating a heavy meal or snack too close to bed time. You don’t want your digestive system working overtime when your body should be relaxing. If you need to eat, stick to something light instead.
- NOTE: While some people swear by their night caps, consuming alcohol late at night can have a negative affect on the quality of your sleep. Also, make sure you don’t drink too much of any liquid 2 hours before bed, in order to avoid going to the bathroom in the middle of the night!
- Wherever possible block out any noises that could possibly wake you up during the night. Using a fan or white noise machine can help!
- Since tobacco is a stimulant, smoking too close to bed time can keep you from falling asleep. Talk to your doctor about tips to help you quit.
- Even though it’s nice to be able to cuddle up with your dog or cat, they might be causing you to lose sleep! Set up a comfy spot for them on the floor beside your bed or, better yet, crate them in another room. They will see you in the morning!
- Stress plays a huge factor in lack of quality sleep for many people. If this is an issue for you, try journaling an hour before you go to bed to let it all out. Or, you could try yoga, meditation, or taking a warm bath.
If you find you’re still having trouble sleeping, consider hypnotherapy. Hypnotherapy can help you ease stress or addictions that may be causing you to lose quality sleep. Call me today for a free consultation and we will chat!
