Trouble Sleeping? Here Are Some Tips For A Better Night’s Sleep

This past Tuesday, I posted an article on this website about how many Minnesotans are having trouble sleeping lately. You have to admit, that 2020 has been one of the most trying years most of us have seen in our lifetimes.

There is nothing better for a mind and body than a good night's sleep. But what can you do to get a better night's sleep during these stressful times?

According to Dr. Conrad Iber, a sleep specialist "Like any stressful period, we have been seeing more complaints of anxiety and depression which are underpinnings for sleep problems especially in people who have a tendency to have insomnia which is probably in the range of 10-15% of the population,"

Dr. Iber stresses that it's important to find one's "natural sleep rhythm".  What is "natural sleep rhythm'?  "It's the time in which you fall asleep naturally without a medication, without alcohol, and it's the time in which you wake up without an alarm clock," Dr. Iber said.

If you don't know your natural sleep rhythm, Dr. Iber recommends you think back to a vacation and when you would naturally go to bed and when you woke up, without an alarm.

Dr. Iber recommends you start to wind down a couple of hours before bedtime. out away the screens and don't go to bed until you feel you can fall asleep.

Also, according to Dr. Iber, cut caffeine by 3 PM, avoid stressful conversations before bedtime, work in another besides your bedroom, exercise, limit your cocktails and go outside and get some fresh air when you wake up.

So, if sleeping is a problem for you, give these tips a try.  Sweet dreams!

(KARE 11)

https://www.kare11.com/article/news/health/tips-for-better-sleep-during-stressful-times