From One Insomniac to Another Insomniac

As I have been an insomniac most of my life I thought I would like to share some tips that have helped me along the way to get some sleep. I also take a mild sleeping tablet when I am ready to go to bed but all you insomniacs know there isn’t a sleeping tablet in the world that can keep you asleep for long or sometimes even not work so I would like to share some techniques that have drastically changed my life. The only time I don’t sleep now is if I am in pain. I have tried many things in my life and a lot of them haven’t worked or worked for a while and stopped working as the mind is a powerful thing so these are just tips and this may not work for you either but don’t dismiss it though entirely before giving it a go.

1. Create A Bedroom Sanctuary

First I redid my whole bedroom. I needed a new bed anyway so from there I created a haven if you will and stripped away my old bedroom to my new bedroom. I haven’t finished it yet but it’s due for a change anyway. I chose a colour theme that made me happy which was pink. I added decorative candles and ornaments given to me by the people I love. I have an inbuilt closet with mirrors and inbuilt side cupboards and a mirror there. I did a closet make over too but because I have lost 43 kilos I will have to do another revamp. I use that little side board mirror to place photos of the people I love, pictures from magazines that make me happy. I love to relax in the bedroom and read magazines, books, burn candles and incense. I have turned my bedroom into my happy place and that is what you need to do in the way that makes you happy. It took me a while due to my health and expenses but was all worth it in the end.

If you can’t afford to do a bedroom make-over then do a bedroom revamp. Buy a couple of candles they don’t have to be expensive just pleasant looking for you. Cutting out pictures out of magazines is free. Just revamp it a little in a way that makes you happy.

Finally and this is the most important part make your bedroom a happy place. If you live with a partner no arguments are to take place in that room, take the argument anywhere you please but not the bedroom. Your bedroom is your sanctuary. If you partner starts to argue in the bedroom remind him and her that this is your sanctuary and can we take the argument elsewhere before you know it the argument becomes a discussion.

2. Relaxation technique Before You Go To Bed

Burning oils a couple of hours before you go to bed in the lounge room to help you relax before you go to bed while watching television perhaps of lavender or bergamot for eg. Is very relaxing which turns into a feeling of tiredness. Once that happens retire to bed.

3. When You Wake

Insomniacs tend to wake up tired. While the kettle is boiling for your cup of tea in the morning burn some oils that will stimulate the mind and energise you. May I suggest these oils, Rosemary ( great for stimulating the mind and energising you too ) , mandarin, Sweet Orange, Lemongrass and lavender spike. Keep them burning while you do your morning ritual.

Now that your more energised your ready to leave the house feeling better then you did in long while.

4. Meals

Instead of having your main meals at night time have it for lunch and a light meal for dinner. For example what you would have for lunch like sandwiches and a salad you instead have that for dinner so that way you are not going to bed with a full stomach which studies show that it can interfere with your sleeping. Not only that it’s better for you as you don’t burn off calories while you sleep so it’s good for people who are trying to lose weight. Hospitals in Australia have had this choice or in some hospitals an only option in place for years now.

5. Stimulants

If you haven’t heard of this before stop drinking soda drinks, coffee, tea,

Basically any caffeine drinks after 4pm. Drink decaffeinated coffee and decaffe tea and herbal teas if you like your hot drinks. Better still a mug of cocoa while watching television or orange juice or water if your thirsty is better for you if you want that shut eye and stay away from the alcohol all together. You might think a glass of brandy gets you to sleep but guaranteed that brandy is waking you up at around 2am isn’t it?

6. Pamper yourself

Spend at least half an hour pampering you. Do your facial cleansing routine every night but implement some more pampering like maybe one night you pamper your feet and give yourself a pedicure followed by painting them tootsies. Or another night you could focus on your legs.

For you men out there, there are some lovely products out there for you too

and why not pamper yourself. Trust me your mates aren’t telling you this but they are pampering themselves with a shave, face wash, toner followed by a face balm. Don’t tell anybody but hubby last year was using L’Oreal this year he is using Natio. For you women out there if you buy your men the products they will not only use it but ask many questions like which do you use first and what does it do? That is how hubby in 1 year has gone from applying L’Oreal face cleanser once a week to nearly applying the whole Natio routine this year.

7. If You are not asleep after 45 minutes.

If you have not fallen asleep after half an hour to 45 minutes and your just tossing and turning get up and do something. Do not do anything physical do something relaxing, like reading or watching television or start that relaxing hobby you have always wanted to do but haven’t had the time. Now is the time to do it. In half an hour go back to bed and keep trying this technique till you fall asleep.

It may not happen overnight but eventually your husband will find you asleep at the keyboard still sitting upright in your chair as there is only so many days you can go without sleep before you fall asleep. And the answer to your question is yes that is what happened to me after laughing how my best friend was found asleep by her son 2 years ago on her keyboard after a couple of drinks. It is now my best friends turn to laugh. I had gone 5 days without sleep due to having a pancreatic attack for 5 days straight when feeling better did some housework and went on the computer to catch up on everything and well the rest you know.

Now these are things that I have adapted in my life you can give them a try or do some more research and see what works for you.