Be taught how to get a good night's sleep and improve your mood. Determine the number of hours you need to feel rested.

Insomnia Overcoming

Insomnia Overcoming

Sleep and mood are intimately related. Be taught how to get a good night's sleep and improve your mood.

1. Determine the number of hours you need to feel rested. Don't be anxious if you don't fit into the 'norm' of eight hours. A good instruction to start with is how many hours you sleep when yovercomingou 'sleep in' on the weekends.

2. Calculate a bedtime that will allow you to get this many hours and wake up at a reasonable hour.

3. The first day, wake yourself at the time you would like to be your usual waking time, whether you are rested or not. You can need help from a friend, relative or alarm clock the first few days.

4. Throughout the day, resist the urge for a nap.

5. Limit your intake of caffeine and other stimulants and do not consume any of these after mid-afternoon. You’ll eventually find that you are getting enough rest and don't need an extra boost in the morning.

6. A couple of hours before bedtime begin to allow you to wind down. A regular evening procedure can help you relax and will signal your body that it's time to rest.

7. If you feel tense, try the following: Kava Kava, Valerian, chamomile tea, soft music, scented candles, a hot bath or a massage.

8. Avoid over the counter and prescription sleep meds and alcohol. Even though you may fall asleep, your sleep will not be gentle and natural. You’ll feel groggy in the morning.

9. If you are troubled by racing thoughts that just won't stop, get up and do something to keep yourself occupied until the thoughts subside.

10. If you just can't sleep, don't lie in the bed and toss and turn. Wake up and do something until you are tired enough to sleep.

11. Get up at your predetermined time, no matter how tired you may feel.

12. Repeat the above steps until you are able to fall asleep on time and wake up rested. It will generally take 2-3 days.

Tips:
1. Don't despair if you have to go sleepy for a couple of days to get back on track. These steps for most people will work if followed correctly. If not, confer with an expert for further assistance.

2. Keep a regular schedule, even on weekends. Do it every day an will feel as glorious as 'sleeping in' on the weekends.

3. Melatonin is a supplement which may be helpful in resetting your body clock and allowing you to fall asleep naturally.