We live in a society where we are constantly overstimulated. Be it from food and drink or electronic gadgets that we now see as such a huge part of
our lives.
Food and drink:
Avoid caffeine
Avoid junk food
Avoid preservetives
Avoid Sugar and Sweetners.
If you must eat and drink any of the above, there needs to be a cut off point. This can be played around with depending on your schedule and what time
you need to get to bed at night.
For me, if i decide to have any of the above i will have a cut off point at 5pm. But most of the time the cut off point is much earlier. Especially
when it comes to caffeinated tea and coffee. Even decaf should be a no no after a certain time as psychologically you believe you are still drinking a
caffeinated beverage.
Also, don't eat too late, have your main meal at a decent time and try not to snack before bed (especially stuff in the avoid list).
Electronics:
Laptop/PC
Television
Cell phone (IPhone/Smart phone or otherwise)
Kindle
Games consoles
etc
Makesure you stop any of these things an hour (preferably more) before bed. You need to wind yourself down ready for sleep. These electronics keep you
wired.
Avoid taking anything like this into your bedroom. Your bedroom is for sleeping (and for sex if you are getting any). Your bedroom is not an extension
of your living room or office. The bedroom should be a gadget free zone.
You need a strong routine before bed.
Example;
An hour or more before bed, run yourself a bath. Whilst it's running, lay out your PJ's or whatever it is you sleep in on your bed. Go have a good
soak in the bath, dry yourself properly, clean your teeth, comb your hair etc. Get into your clothes and slip into bed.
If you do wake up at a silly hour. Don't stay in bed. The more you lay in bed getting frustrated with not being able to sleep, the more likely it is
you won't be able to get back to sleep.
Get up and go read a real book or magazine in another room, preferably with a dimmer light than your main lights (like a lamp). Do not read a kindle,
do not switch on the TV, do not switch on the computer, do not play around with your IPhone/Smart phone or games console (if you have any of these
things). Eventually your eyes will start to get tired again, this is when you get back into bed.
Continue this for a few weeks and see if you notice any improvement.
edit on 11-1-2013 by skitzspiricy because: (no reason given)