I haven’t had a good night’s sleep in two years, so why would it be possible now? Doctors, books, everyone tells us about “good” sleep habits – but that hasn’t worked for me … until now.
For the last two weeks, it’s like the “miracle of miracles” took place. No, I don’t always sleep through the night, but I am getting close to seven hours (OK five to six hours, but that’s better than three or four!)
How am I doing it? Heed these five things.
I was read the riot act
When I told my doctor I was dizzy and couldn’t concentrate as well as usual, he was really concerned. Sleep deprivation—and we have all felt it—is HORRIBLE and breeds negativity and pessimism. So for the first time in a long time, I was willing to try some things I’ve heard about over and over again but didn’t take so seriously.
Turn the computer off by 10 p.m.
It was like my connection with the world was taken away, but not really. I just needed a break from it. And because I did just that, I could actually feel that my body was really tired.
Fully concentrate on going to sleep
When I felt the impulse to get out of bed or check something, I told myself NO.
Just lean back and close your eyes … Helene, go to sleep, I said to myself.
Off with the (colored) lights
I love aromatherapy – in fact, I’m addicted to it (it’s a good addiction!). However, even a soft lavender light on my diffuser keeps me awake. Though dark spaces used to make me nervous, nowadays, it feels calming. If I need anything, a small hall light will do just fine.
Don’t let the mind take over
If you need to get up in the middle of the night for a bathroom break, resist the urge to come back to check your phone or emails. Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow.
OK folks … anyone game to give my tips a try? And if you have found anything else that works, let us know.
