That ever-evasive bloody sleep! Some of us really struggle with sleep. Particularly if we have experienced trauma and anxiety.
We need sleep, it's so important.
Below are 13 tips to help improve your sleep:
Use your bed only for sleep, and not for other activities such as worrying.
Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark during your sleeping hours.
Make sure your bedroom is a comfortable temperature - not too cold or too warm.
Avoid using electronic media such as the computer, television, smartphone, e-reader or tablet at least one to two hours before going to bed.
Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks during the afternoon and evening.
Avoid alcohol.
Cut down or stop smoking gradually. Sudden attempts to stop smoking and nicotine replacement patches can affect sleep.
Exercise regularly but avoid exercising immediately before bed.
Get up at the same time, even if you had trouble sleeping the night before.
Try not to worry about whether you are going to sleep well, or what will happen if you don’t.
Perform important tasks that require you to focus and concentrate during the day rather than in the evening.
Practice relaxation or mindfulness techniques when going to bed to help calm the mind and body and promote rest even when you are not sleeping.
Gently focusing on your breath as you breathe in and out can also be a simple, helpful technique.
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