“]
Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time each day. Our bodies respond well to routines.
[/expand] [expand title=”Establish a bedtime ritual“]
About an hour before you go to sleep dim the lights (this releases a hormone which helps us sleep) and engage in something relaxing.
[/expand] [expand title=”Avoid working or watching television in bed“]
It’s important that your body and mind associate your bed with sleep.
[/expand] [expand title=”Exercise regularly“]
Physical activity can aid sleep but don’t be too active just before going to bed.
Make sure any exercise you do happens at least two hours before bedtime.
[/expand]
[expand title=”Try not to eat a heavy meal before bed
“]
However, a light snack if you are feeling peckish, and are used to something before you sleep, is just fine.
[/expand] [expand title=”Avoid clockwatching“]
Staring at the clock when you can’t sleep will only increase your anxiety and make it even more difficult to fall asleep. Consider turning the clock face out of your view.
[/expand] [expand title=”Reduce alcohol intake“]
You might feel that alcohol helps you to relax and fall asleep, but your quality of sleep with too much alcohol is likely to be poor. It’s best to keep alcohol consumption to a minimum.
[/expand] [expand title=”Breathe“]
Waking in the middle of the night can be frustrating. Try some of the deep breathing and relaxation exercises you learned in this programme and on the Maggie’s relaxation CD, to help lull you back to sleep.
[/expand] [expand title=”Minimise discomfort“]
If your sleep problems are due to pain or discomfort, speak to your GP or specialist who may be able to get you specific pillows or cushions for support.
[/expand] [expand title=”Take a warm bath“]
If you like to take a bath before bed, try to make sure it is not too hot. An elevated body temperature can make it difficult to fall asleep. Try a warm bath, or if you like a hot bath just take it a bit earlier in the night so your body has time to cool down.
[/expand] [expand title=”Enjoy the relaxation“]
Although sleep is important, the rest and relaxation of lying in bed is also beneficial. Next time you are having difficulty falling asleep, try to take the focus off being asleep and just enjoy being relaxed.
[/expand]Should your sleep problems persist, speak to your GP or specialists.
It might also be helpful to keep a sleep diary. Tracking the pattern and duration of your sleep can be a helpful way of tracking the problem
Our thanks to Maggie’s Centre Oxford for their help preparing this information.