Post by Alena on Dec 27, 2006 11:38:55 GMT -5
There are a number of reasons why people have a difficult time staying asleep. If you find yourself waking frequently during the night, consider the following:
Are you physically uncomfortable? A too soft or too firm mattress, an uncomfortable pillow, or an older, worn-out bed can all impede a good night's sleep. Check your mattress for signs of wear at least twice a year, and consider new pillows if you think that may be the problem.
You may also want to see an osteopathic physician who specializes in osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT). A session or two of this safe and effective treatment can be life-changing.
Is your bedroom noisy? Consider a "white noise" generator, an inexpensive but effective device for making soothing sounds to mask jangling ones.
Is your mind overactive? If you can't sleep because of thoughts whirling through your head, try the Relaxing Breath (visit DrWeil.com for instructions) - it can help you center yourself and put aside recurrent or intrusive thoughts. A few stretches can help, too.
Are you frequently getting up to urinate and then not able to get back to sleep? Eliminate caffeine and alcohol, especially before bedtime - both can increase nighttime urination and increase sleep disturbances.
If you experiment with all these possibilities and still wake in the early morning hours, try getting up and reading or doing some light stretching - anything other than watching the clock and worrying about the sleep you're losing. Simply taking your mind off the problem can help to relax you and may help you to fall back asleep.
Are you physically uncomfortable? A too soft or too firm mattress, an uncomfortable pillow, or an older, worn-out bed can all impede a good night's sleep. Check your mattress for signs of wear at least twice a year, and consider new pillows if you think that may be the problem.
You may also want to see an osteopathic physician who specializes in osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT). A session or two of this safe and effective treatment can be life-changing.
Is your bedroom noisy? Consider a "white noise" generator, an inexpensive but effective device for making soothing sounds to mask jangling ones.
Is your mind overactive? If you can't sleep because of thoughts whirling through your head, try the Relaxing Breath (visit DrWeil.com for instructions) - it can help you center yourself and put aside recurrent or intrusive thoughts. A few stretches can help, too.
Are you frequently getting up to urinate and then not able to get back to sleep? Eliminate caffeine and alcohol, especially before bedtime - both can increase nighttime urination and increase sleep disturbances.
If you experiment with all these possibilities and still wake in the early morning hours, try getting up and reading or doing some light stretching - anything other than watching the clock and worrying about the sleep you're losing. Simply taking your mind off the problem can help to relax you and may help you to fall back asleep.