Natural Sleep Remedies

Sleep problems and sleep deprivation have become more and more prevalent thanks to sedentary lifestyles, demanding schedules, light at night, and the myriad of electronic devices. Many people look to a prescription and hope that by simply taking a pill 30" before bedtime, they will simply fall asleep and stay asleep. Unfortunately it's not that easy.

After several years of consistent insomnia, I found that there were many different factors contributing to my inability to fall asleep and stay asleep. It is been a combination of many lifestyle changes that now allows me to blissfully fall asleep quickly every (almost every) night.

One tip that has proven beneficial to me is being more intentional about preparing for sleep and going to bed consistently at around 10:00 PM. I often spent time on the computer right up until bedtime which seemed to build up feelings of agitation. Or I would come home from a long day of work as a registered nurse and then after dinner pay bills or balance my checkbook. I didn't know how to relax.

Now I consistently turn off my computer, iPad and TV two hours before bedtime. I start getting ready for bed an hour before I want to be asleep. During this time, any unnecessary lights are turned off and lamps with blue light blocking bulbs are used. This helps to stimulate the production of melatonin which helps us set our "sleep clock."

Engaging in more relaxing activities like reading a book (that doesn't have a gripping plot), looking at a magazine, or taking a bath helps to wind me down and to get that sleepy feeling that leads to quickly falling asleep.