Sleep Aids that Concern Your Sleep Environment

Sleep Aids

Humans spend approximately one third of their life asleep.  If you are having trouble with your sleep it is best to look closely at your sleep environment as a first step.  Too many people turn to prescription sleep aids to cure their sleeping troubles while they have had the power to fix their problem all along.  It is a well accepted fact among the scientific community that most people get the best quality of sleep when their surroundings are pleasant and tidy.  Many who suffer from insomnia would be able to solve their sleep problems simply by clearing out clutter instead of spending large amounts of money on sleep aids. 

Apart from cleanliness, the other aspect of environmental sleep aids has to do with the comfort of the sleep area.  A bed that offers the ideal support for your body type along with comfortable pillows and bedding will go a long way.  The sleep environment should also be free from stimulating technology such as television, video games, and computers.  The sleep environment must be preserved for sleeping only as this will send the body cues and help it prepare for sleep.

One of the Greatest Sleep Aids of All is Routine

Sleep Aids

Every parent will attest to the fact that routines rule!  Routines are the key in getting infants and young children to bed, but somehow as we grow older we feel that we outgrow the need for a bed time ritual.  That is a completely false assumption, however.  Bed time routines allow the body and mind the time that is required to process the events of the day and make the transition from active mode to a restful one that will be receptive to sleep. 

Common routines include dimming the lights at a certain time every night.  Performing calming tasks such as reading, or hand crafts such as knitting.  Others prefer to sip on a warm glass of decaffeinated tea while listening to soothing music.  When engaged in your bed time routine DO NOT focus on the fact that you are trying to relax.  It is counterproductive to be results oriented at a time like this.  Focusing on the soothing activity is a sleep aid all by itself. 

Routines are as unique as the people who participate in them.  The beauty of this sleep aid is that you can tailor make your sleep routine to suit your preferences.  The key to a successful routine is not necessarily what it is comprised of but the level of consistency that is put into it. 

 

Sleep Aids – Food & Drink Matter!

Sleep Aids

One cannot discuss sleep aids and not mention the importance of diet.  We all know that certain foods and drinks contain stimulants and should be avoided.  Coffee, chocolate, and tea should not be ingested before bed due to their caffeine levels.  Some foods are considered to be sleep aids in and of themselves.  Food items such as warm milk, fish, and turkey are actually encouraged!