Hi everyone! Over the past three weeks, I’ve been struggling with insomnia. While I’m still trying to combat it, I thought making this post would be great for others who struggle with it.
1. Set a schedule for yourself. Make sure to go to sleep and wake up at the same or similar times each day. This includes weekends, though treating yourself once in a while doesn’t hurt if you’re dedicated to keeping a constant schedule on most days.
2. Don’t drink caffeine too close to your bedtime. Caffeine can keep you up at night. Instead, opt for a warm cup of milk or tea. If you really want a coffee, make sure it’s decaf!
3. Use a weighted blanket. This is basically what it’s named: a blanket that weighs a few pounds. My brother got me one that weighs 12 pounds and it is soooo comfy! If you can’t handle this much weight, there are various different weights. (I got mine at Target, but they should be found at many home goods/bedding stores.)
4. Do you have trouble just falling asleep? My doctor recommended this. If you have been in bed for 30 minutes and still don’t fall asleep, get up and leave the room and do something that relaxes you. When you get drowsy, go back to bed. Repeat this until you can fall asleep. During the time you’re out of the room, try to avoid your phone as much as you can.
5. Only use your bed for sleep and sex. Try to avoid doing anything other than sleeping or having sex on your bed. I know it’s so tempting to cuddle up and do homework while sat in your bed sometimes, but try not to. This way, your brain associates your bed with sleeping.
6. Relax before bed. Take a warm shower, take a nice bath, or drink some warm milk or tea. Read, if it relaxes you too. Listen to calm or acoustic music. (I personally like this playlist.)
7. Avoid screens before bed. 30 minutes to an hour before you plan on going to sleep, put away any screens you have. Be it your phone, laptop, or iPad, avoid using them so close to bedtime.
These are just a few tips I have. I also wanted to say that if you need to take sleeping pills, remember that it is totally okay! I take them once in a while, so do not feel bad if solely doing these things above don’t help.
