Sleep Well

Contents

Overview

People in problem debt often talk of sleepless nights from  worry & stress. Not getting enough sleep can severely affect your wellbeing. 


There a few things you can try yourself before seeking help from your GP. 

10 Top Tips for good sleep

1. Keep regular hours


Going to bed and getting up at roughly the same time every day will programme your body to sleep better. Choose a time when you're most likely to feel sleepy.


2. Restful sleep environment


Your bedroom should be kept for rest and sleep. Keep it as quiet and dark as possible. It should be neither too hot nor too cold. Temperature, lighting and noise should be controlled so that the bedroom environment helps you to fall (and stay) asleep.


3. Make your bed comfortable


It is difficult to get restful sleep on a mattress that’s too soft or too hard, or a bed that is too small or old. If you have a pet that sleeps in the room with you, consider moving it somewhere else if it often makes noise in the night.

4. Exercise regularly


Moderate exercise on a regular basis, such as swimming or walking, can help relieve some of the tension built up over the day. Make sure that you don't do vigorous exercise too close to bedtime, however, as it may keep you awake.


5. Reduce caffeine intake


Cut down on stimulants such as caffeine in tea or coffee, especially in the evening. They interfere with the process of falling asleep, and they prevent deep sleep. The effects of caffeine can last a long time (up to 24 hours), so the chances of it affecting sleep are significant. Instead, have a warm, milky drink or herbal tea.​


6. Do not indulge


Too much food or alcohol, especially late at night, can interrupt your sleep patterns. Alcohol may help you to fall asleep initially, but it will disrupt your sleep later on in the night.


7. Do not smoke


It is bad for sleep. Smokers take longer to fall asleep, they wake up more frequently, and they often have more disrupted sleep.


8. Relax before going to bed


Have a warm bath, listen to quiet music or do some gentle yoga to relax the mind and body. Your doctor may be able to recommend a helpful relaxation CD.


9. Write away your worries


Deal with worries or a heavy workload by making lists of things to be tackled the next day. If you tend to lie in bed thinking about tomorrow's tasks, set aside time before bedtime to review the day and make plans for the next day. The goal is to avoid doing these things when you're in bed, trying to sleep.


10. Don't worry before bedtime


If you can’t sleep, don’t lie there worrying about it. Get up and do something you find relaxing until you feel sleepy again, then return to bed.

Sleeping Aids

Sleeping aids are substances or devices that are designed to help people fall asleep and stay asleep


There are several types of sleeping aids, including:




It's important to talk to a doctor before starting any new sleep aid, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking other medications. 


Sleeping aids should not be used as a long-term solution for insomnia, but rather as a temporary measure while seeking other treatments, such as behavioural therapies or lifestyle changes.