Natural ways to deal with sleep problems

Insomnia isn’t just frustrating – ongoing sleep deprivation can actually contribute to a greater risk of developing a number of health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes, and even obesity. A lack of sleep can also kill your libido, impact your ability to think critically, and lead to accidents or injuries on the job.

However, there are some natural ways you can deal with sleep problems to avoid some of these negative impacts – without having to turn to pharmacological solutions, which often come with some unpleasant side effects and carry the risk of dependency with regular use. This list will offer some tips and tricks to help you fall asleep and stay asleep, so you’ll feel better and enjoy improved health and wellness.

1. Try aromatherapy.

Certain scents have proven to help people get a better rest, including lavender, bergamot, chamomile, and vetiver. Make sure you’re buying pure essential oils that are therapeutic grade to ensure you’re getting the most benefit, and try using them in a variety of ways to see which type of application works best for you.

You can either inhale the oils by steaming or even just straight from the bottle, or massage them into your skin by using a carrier oil. However, when it comes to aromatherapy for sleep, one of the most effective ways of using essential oils is spraying your pillow before you go to bed.

2. Indulge in a steam shower.

Steam is a great way to unwind, and spending time in a steam shower can help you relax your body and your mind – ensuring a more restful, regenerative sleep. You’ll benefit from the detoxifying effects of the steam shower, which will help reduce the stress built up in your body and leave you feeling much calmer.

You can either enjoy a simple steam with a towel and bowl of hot water, visit a steam shower at a spa or gym, or even consider installing a shower in your own home for easy access if this is helpful in your battle against insomnia.

3. Practice yoga and meditation.

Combined, these two practices can offer incredible benefits to your mind and your body, including helping you to destress and unwind before you go to sleep. Even doing yoga and meditating first thing in the morning can help you sleep better at night, by limiting the stress you carry in your body and allowing you to spend less time focused on your worry and anxiety.

If the peace and quiet of yoga and meditation isn’t for you, you can achieve similar benefits by engaging in the exercise of your choice and doing something else that helps you relax and quiet your mind – reading, taking a bath, or even visiting with a friend.

4. Disconnect early.

Instead of spending your time before bed watching a show on Netflix or surfing the internet on your phone, unplug for at least an hour and avoid that harsh blue light. Screens have a hugely detrimental effect on your sleep cycle, so let yourself relax without the influence of technology.

If you can, leave your phone and computer outside of the bedroom entirely. Spend your last hour before bed reading, talking with your partner, or participating in another hobby that helps you relax – knitting, doing yoga, meditating, or taking a bath.

5. Stick to a routine.

Your body will function a lot better if it knows what to expect – so instead of going to bed later on weekends and sleeping in when you don’t need to get up for work, try to stick to the same schedule every day. This way, you’ll be able to establish a solid circadian rhythm, which will help your body understand when it’s time for sleep and when it’s time to get up.

This list of natural ways you can deal with sleep problems should be everything you need to fight the harmful effects of ongoing insomnia – but if you’re still having trouble getting sufficient rest, you might consider talking to a health care professional to see if your fatigue is caused by a more serious health issue. Still, there’s nothing to lose by incorporating some of these ideas into your life to see if you can enjoy a more peaceful sleep and wake up feeling more refreshed and rejuvenated.