Sleep Issues...

For the past couple of months I’ve had real problems trying to get to sleep. I am so wide awake at bed time it’s unreal! I have to force myself to go to sleep and end up just laying there for hours. Then the next day I am so tired at work, so by the time evening I’ve got my second wind and it begins again. Vicious circle! I’ve told numerous friends and family of my predicament and everyone seems to have some ‘amazing’ tip that will make me drop off as soon as my head hits the pillow.



 

 

 ‘Counting sheep’, seriously?!! Does anyone actually do this? A) it’s boring! I know that’s kind of the idea, but... b) I have a crazy imagination, my sheep end up with names and cool outfits. Then I imagine a sexy herdsman looking after them...this one doesn’t work for me!

Then a few people have said go to bed early and read a book, ‘a few chapters in and you’ll be fast asleep’. So clearly these people don’t know me very well at all, I find a good book and I’m hooked, I’ll be up till 4am to finish it. I love books!

However, I have been given a few suggestions that seemed to have worked, so I thought I would share with my top 6 suggestions.

1.       A relaxing bath, I know this is a pretty obvious one but it works a treat! Lots of bubbles light some candles and add some chilled music.

 

2.       I know lavender is a bit of an old wives tale, and it could be psychological but I find it helps. I was given a lavender room spray which I use for my pillows. I am also having a total love affair with ‘A French Kiss’ Lush bath bomb which is lavender scented. Add it to my previous tip and it equals perfection.

 

3.       A tidy bedroom equals a clear mind. I am a complete believer in this. I am really OCD about things being clean but I am little miss messy! My excuse is I juggle two jobs along with various other commitments so am in the really bad habit of running in, dumping stuff and running out again. As I am temporarily back with the parents at the mo, I also don’t have much storage space. However excuses aside I’ve been making a conscious effort to be tidier and have a tranquil sleep space.

 

4.       Hot milk, this stems back to my childhood and my mum giving me a warm mug of milk before bed. Now at 27, I still believe this works!

5.       Are you ready for the next day? Sounds daft, but if you’re like me and a bit of a last minute Larry and lay awake at night thinking of all the things you must remember to do in the morning. Make your life easier and do as much as you can the night before, make your lunch for work, get your outfit out ready. These things do help to make you feel a bit more organised and less stressed.

6.       Yoga, I’ve only recently got into this and I bloody love it! Bit gutted I didn’t try it out sooner. I’ve found it really helps to stretch out my muscles and relax me. I’ve been doing it half an hour before I go to bed. There are tons of fab lessons to follow on You Tube, I’d recommend trying out a few to find out what style suits you and just give it a go!

So I’m by no means cured, there are still nights where I’m staring at the ceiling at 3am. Although these points have all helped massively and also encouraged me to relax and take more me time in general.

Anyone else having sleep issues? How do you cope with it?