Getting enough quality sleep is incredibly important. The symptoms of sleep deprivation include problems concentrating, poor working memory, irritability, mood changes, weakened immune system, and cardiovascular problems. But you know that. If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably experienced some of them.
You do the responsible thing and go to sleep on time so you can get your recommended 7 or 8 hours. In our modern, fast-paced world, that’s quite a challenge in itself. Unfortunately, most nights, you spend more time trying to fall asleep than actually sleeping.
Is there anything that feels more defeating than looking at your clock and seeing that you need to get up and get ready for work in less than 4 hours, and you still haven’t managed to fall asleep? We’ve all had nights like this, and they’ve become especially common during the coronavirus outbreak.
It seems like something that should be easy. You feel tired all day, and all you want to do is go to sleep, but then when you finally have the chance to… you just lay there. Your brain won’t turn off. Why is this so difficult?
Let’s take a look at some tips that can make it easier.
Set Yourself up for Success
First, let’s make sure you have good bedtime habits that will set you up for success. The most important thing is to get on a sleep schedule. Your body relies on an internal clock called the circadian rhythm to regulate many of your bodily functions, including your sleep-wake cycle. Inconsistent bedtimes disrupt your circadian rhythm and make it harder to fall asleep since your body is not releasing important hormones such as melatonin that would make you feel more relaxed and sleepy.
You can also take melatonin supplements, but this is not as effective as a consistent sleep schedule. Other supplements that can help you fall asleep faster include Magnesium, 5-HTP, L
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