Insomnia Help
Tips for dealing with insomnia
Insomnia is a serious problem that affects many Americans. Over a third of Americans today suffer from habitual
insomnia. Getting a good night’s rest is crucial for a productive life. Find out what you can do to curb your
insomnia.
1. Try doing something else: Occasionally, you’ll find you’re just not ready to sleep yet. Don’t stress out trying
to fall asleep; do something else first. Watching the television can help with this. Or, grab a boring book and try
to read for thirty minutes. Try listening to soothing music. Basically, try doing something fairly boring or
tedious for thirty minutes to an hour. This works especially well for insomniacs who stay up late worrying—this can
help you get distracted enough to grow sleepy.
3. Visualize comforting memories: You don’t have to lie down in bed for this method, although this might be more
effective if that position relaxes you more. Try visualizing a building that comforts you, a building you are
familiar with. It could be your childhood home, or it could be a grandparent’s or relative’s house. Next, imagine
yourself at the front door. Think about reaching for the doorknob and stepping into the house or building.
Visualize going from room to room, looking over all the furniture, decoration, wallpaper, and windows. Examine all
the little details you remember; go through them in your head. Once you’ve combed through one room, move onto the
next. The advantage of this method is that you become methodically immersed in old, soothing memories. Relaxing
memories will bring you sleep in no time.
4. Flip over: This method works for many people. If you find yourself tossing and fidgeting, try flipping over. Put
your head where your feet normally go. This change is often enough to get you to relax and drift to sleep. You
could also try sleeping in a different bed in another room. Or, try the sofa. Sometimes you need a change of
surroundings to fall asleep.
5. Examine your diet: Although it may seem obvious, it is still worth saying. Do not drink caffeine (this includes
tea, coffee, and soda) two to three hours before going to bed. In fact, consuming too much caffeine during the day
can affect your sleeping patterns for up to 48 hours afterward. Certain dieticians also recommend trying a low-carb
diet for insomniacs who have a hard time getting to sleep. However, the link has yet to be substantiated with
scientific studies, so try this diet with caution. Consult your doctor before trying any new diets.
6. If you’ve tried everything: Go see a doctor if you’ve tried everything and still can’t fall asleep. Your doctor
will have a better understanding of the causes behind your insomnia. Your doctor is well-equipped with many options
for you to explore if you want to cure your insomnia, so don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment and ask for
help.
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