Insomnia, an uncontrollable inability to sleep, can affect anyone. This disorder has two types: temporary insomnia, wherein one is unable to get proper sleep for between one and two weeks; and chronic insomnia, which is the more severe type of insomnia wherein a person is unable to sleep at all for long periods of time. Having insomnia is difficult, especially if you have important work ahead of you for the next day’s tasks. You can, however, employ different tactics to minimize or banish both temporary and chronic insomnia.
- Use your bed for sleeping only. Many people use their beds for lounging around, sitting on while watching television, or cuddling up to read a book or do work. If you practice using the bed only for sleeping, your brain will become accustomed to it—thereby making it easier for you to drift off to sleep at night.
- Make your room dark. At night, dim the lights in your room. Our brains associate darkness with night and night with sleep. Your brain will grow accustomed to knowing that when the room is dark it is then time for sleep.
- Do not eat heavily at night. Try to eat four hours before you go to sleep, as this will allow time for your stomach to completely digest the food you consumed. Also, take small portions of food at night. When your digestive system is busy burning the food you ate, it keeps your energy up and makes it harder to sleep.
- Take melatonin. Melatonin is a natural aid you can buy at most any food store. This should improve your sleep if you have temporary insomnia.
- Take valerian root. Use this natural herb that comes in pill form which to treat insomnia. Expect to take it every day for at least one week before you see any major improvement in your sleeping.
- Eliminate TV viewing before sleep time. This will only stimulate perkiness when you should be getting ready to sleep. Avoid having a television in your bedroom, as it will serve only as a distraction that keeps you awake for hours.
- Listen to soft music. Soft music is like a lullaby and can put you to sleep. Jazz and similar genres are popular among people preparing for sleep.
- Drink celery juice. You can make the juice yourself with a blender or juicer or purchase it at a grocery store. This juice is known to treat insomnia and can help you fall asleep faster.
- Walk 30 minutes after dinner. Doing this will reduce the lactic acid in your body and improve the quality of your sleep. It will also reduce the time it takes for you to fall asleep.