Depression is commonly believed to be the greatest mental condition people suffer from in today’s world. Actually, it is anxiety that trumps depression as the number one problem people suffer from. Whether they have mild to moderate generalized anxiety or they suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and panic attacks, getting a good night’s sleep can be a huge challenge.
Medications are commonly prescribed which will help anxious patients sleep better, but they can leave a person feeling groggy the next morning. That can lead to even more anxiety over whether they will be able to get through the day at work or not. Medications can be helpful, and you should never stop taking a medication your doctor has prescribed you suddenly. But, if you want to be able to get to sleep naturally despite any nighttime jitters, there are a few other things you can try.
Avoid Caffeine or Alcohol During the Day
For caffeine, most people will be able to sleep as long as they do not ingest it after late afternoon. Everyone is different, but caffeine and alcohol always work to disrupt sleep patterns. If you cannot avoid them, limit them as much as possible. Alcohol is a natural substance for an anxious person to turn to, however, too much can bring on more anxiety the next morning than it removed the night before. Avoid it.
Hot Baths
Run bath water as hot as you can comfortably stand it. Add some Epsom salts or natural essential oils such as lavender. Light some candles. The ambiance and warmth will naturally help you to feel more at east. Lavender is associated with calm and is used in many natural nighttime lotions, bath products, and oils. Epsom salts help relax muscles and relieve pain.
Turn Off Your Devices
The light emitted from laptops or smartphones disrupts the brain’s sleep patterns. Turn them off and keep them off at least for an hour before you try to sleep. The darker you can make your room and the more cool and comfortable you can get it will also contribute to a more positive sleep environment.
Get Creative
If you cannot sleep because your worries are seemingly insurmountable, it is time to get creative. Search for stuff like a coupon for Sleep on Latex or use other words to find great deals. If you are suffering from rumination or overthinking, take out a notebook and a pen or pencil. Write down every single thought or worry. In about five minutes you may find that you have unloaded enough to feel like winding down and going to sleep.
You can also write the worries down on paper, cut them out and put them in a special box. Open the box a few days later and you may be surprised to find that many issues sorted themselves out or that you are no longer bothered about them. This process can become an amusing game that will help you cope with your worries and get a more peaceful night’s rest.
Different methods will work for different people. Experiment with these until you find the routine that helps you sleep despite your anxiety.
