How to Overcome Insomnia and Get the Sleep You Deserve

By Summer S



Insomnia is a very disturbing sleeping disorder. I am speaking as one who has the misfortune of knowing what it feels like firsthand. So I write- and research in hopes of finding answers to my sleeplessness and to help those who, like me, are having rough mornings and restless nights. From what I have read insomnia is considered to be a result of many factors; the most common broken down into psychological and physical causes, and of course, temporary events or factors. Insomnia also comes in different forms- what I am trying to say here is that it can mean having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep- waking up in the middle of the night and having trouble falling back to sleep.

As one who has trouble getting to dream land and staying there, insomnia is a least welcomed visitor on my end. I often find myself barking and biting heads off, anxious and agitated, angered at the tiniest bit of provocation. However, the effects of insomnia are not limited to irate feelings or raging emotions alone. Insomnia, even the type transient insomnia- when it last for less than a week, can lead to day time impaired functioning. Short term insomnia, when it lasts for more than a week but less than three weeks, leads to a much than just day time impaired functioning. It leads to impaired judgment throughout the whole day and carrying it on to the night. However, when it last for more than three weeks, it is already considered chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia leads to chronic day time fatigue, impaired judgment, and impaired functioning.

Although this annoying sleeping disorder is caused mostly by stress, our hygiene also affects our sleeping abilities. By hygiene I do not necessarily mean your cleanliness- stuff like body odor- although they, by all means, may contribute. By hygiene I mean your sleeping hygiene. Poor sleeping hygiene includes using the bedroom for other things than sleeping such as working in bed, eating before going to sleep, going to bed hungry, and being passive about lighting and noise control of the bedroom.

So how does a person defeat insomnia? How does one get to fight for his right to sleep? To an entry to a world detached from painful realities? To his right to peace and rest? I came across many articles and sites and all of which had some tips to share. So I decided to zip the information and make it less time consuming to go through the tips.

If the condition is stress related, the first thing you can do to help you sleep is to relieve yourself of that stress. Before you go to bed when it is time for the long shut eye, take a piece of paper and a pen and write down the things you have to do the next day. Make it a habit to physically and mentally get it out of your mind and onto that paper. You can also try improving your chances of sleeping by not watching too much television before the big show. Avoid anything with caffeine and alcohol. You are trying to get some shut-eye. You might also cut down on that number of cigarettes. Try a glass of milk and if you really can not take down milk, try herb tea: cup of hot chamomile, catnip, anise or fennel tea. They contain natural ingredients that will help you sleep.

Remember the sleeping hygiene. Make sure that your room is well ventilated and that it has proper lighting. Make sure that you have a nice, firm bed, or that you can get comfortable with your own bed. Another thing most sites had in common is breathing exercises. Try to do a low key type of meditation. Focus on your breathing and visualize something peaceful.

Now do not get me wrong but I am going to be very honest with you. None of the stuff I have been writing has worked for me. I am a chronic insomniac. I hardly get any sleep- until, which is of course, when my body collapses. Anyway, the things that work for me are actually very simple. I exercise- in hopes of tiring myself out. I count sheep, cows, and all sorts of animals. Those are the only two things that work for me.

While in most cases the reason for such are stress, jet lag, or a mere case of temporary situations such as moving to a new house, insomnia can also be a manifestation of a serious illness or medical condition. So like you have probably heard a zillion times, if a problem persist, consult your doctor. Sleep well.

The author is a SME for an account in Voiceville Communications, Inc. To know more, visit the website: Voiceville Communications Inc. Her expertise lies in her passion for learning and her constant search for growth opportunities.

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