Fatigue is a safety issue that affects every aspect of life and work. But some people spend enough time in bed, they just don’t sleep.
From night-to-night there could be different reasons why you can’t fall asleep.
Ask yourself why. Are you:
– Feeling wide awake?
You might have to change your schedules and habits.
Caffeinated drinks like coffee or soda can have lasting effects into the night.
Too much bright light before bed can keep your body in wake mode. Turn down lights. Turn off phones and e-readers.
– Reliving the day?
New sleep apps can help put aside the day’s events with meditation or even bedtime stories. The app Calm allows you to choose a 15- to 30-minute bedtime story that tends to replace thoughts of current events. The tales get progressively softer until they just stop. Still not asleep? Do another.
– Feeling stressed and excited?
You could try Dr. Andrew Weil’s 4-7-8 method of going to sleep. The technique puts your body into relaxation mode, acting like a tranquilizer.
Let your lips part and make a whooshing sound as you exhale completely.
Close your lips, then inhale silently four times through your nose.
Hold your breath for seven seconds.
Make a whooshing sound and exhale from your mouth for eight seconds.
Do this four times and work up to eight, if necessary.
– Have an ongoing physical problem?
Treatments are available for sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and other sleep disorders. Don’t wait. Get treated.
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