Many people suffer from insomnia from time to time and sleeping pills have so many side effects on health. Here are some healthier suggestion to help you nod off at night. Some may work for you, others won't because everyone is different
- Try a weak cup of chamomile tea at bed time. It is soothing and calming and will help you relax.
- The dietary supplement melatonin is an effective sleep aid. In US it is available from healthfood stores and pharmacies but in UK it has to be prescribed by a doctor.
- A mug of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey added is perfect for some people. Add a teaspoon of brandy if you like it.
- Avoid stimulants such as tea, and coffee in the evening. The caffeine in these builds up and may keep you awake.
- It is also said that eating potatoes before bed will help you to sleep. There are chemicals within the potato that calm the body. A single boiled sweet or candy does the same job. However, there is another school of thought that says that nothing should be eaten within three hours of going to bed.
- Boxes are available that emit white noise. This is supposed to be highly effective at inducing sleep in some people.
- Go to bed and get up at the same times each day. This helps to set your biological clock and your body will know when to sleep and when to wake up.
- Use quiet, calming music to help you relax. Try different CD's until you find something that works.
- A warm, relaxing bath at bedtime will help you to sleep but research has shown that a hot, or cold bath stimulates the body and will wake you up.
- If you are still awake after 30 minutes of trying to fall asleep, get up and do something until you feel tired. Go back to bed and start again. Stressing because you can't sleep makes the problem worse and getting up gives you a fresh start.
