Insomnia Symptoms

Like lots of people, I have tossed and turned at night, having trouble getting to sleep. But what do you do when one night of restlessness turns into two nights and then three nights? You find that your work day is less than productive due to lack of sleep, you’re irritable and crabby. If only you could find something that would help you get to sleep without resorting to sleeping pills!

If you just can’t relax at bedtime or your insomnia has just developed into a nasty pattern, you may want to look into natural sleep remedies. Natural sleep remedies are actions you can undertake to get to sleep (and to stay asleep).

• Exercise during the day. Wear your body out. Make your body NEED rest at night. A simple walk at lunch time or working out at the gym can relieve stress and anxiety and also makes your body tired. Your emotional well-being AND your physical well-being will thank you!
• Develop a calming bedtime routine. Trick your body into knowing it’s a natural progression to do this and then that and then sleep. Develop your routine and perform those actions every night for a number of days. Train your body and your mind to accept sleep as part of your routine.
• Try going to bed at about the same time every night. Make this part of your routine.
• When you do get into bed, try meditation and relaxation techniques. Breathe in deeply and exhale slowly. Slowly count from 300 backwards. Relax and imaging yourself in your ideal place – a sunny beach, in front of a fire at a mountain retreat, whatever would make you feel a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Listen to music, an audio book, sound effects – whatever takes your mind off your day and helps you to relax. Many manufacturers sell radios that have birds singing, white noise, water flowing, etc. that are created to help you fall asleep.

Keep in mind that insomnia can be caused by a physical condition – your sleeplessness may be a symptom of another problem and may require a visit to your doctor. Your doctor can treat your physical ailment and that may cure your insomnia symptoms. Always consult a physician before starting any physical routine or undertaking any self-treatment of your insomnia.