How to Cope With Insomnia

Insomnia is something that plagues everyone at some point in time. It may not be a long term issue, but most people have a night or nights where sleep just doesn’t happen. They may either have a hard time falling asleep or once they are asleep they can’t stay that way. If you are in an insomnia cycle, or you suffer from chronic insomnia, there are things you can do to make like a little easier.

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Spoons
• Doctor

Instructions

How to cope with insomnia

1. Get up and exercise. Yes, exercising can help you relax and help you achieve better sleep. The catch is some people should not exercise right before bed. It elevates the heart rate too much and the person can’t get to sleep. Try exercising in the morning or right after work.

2. Skip the nap. There are days when you are so exhausted you cannot wait to sneak in a hour nap. You may want to reconsider. If you nap during the day, then you are more likely to still be rested at bed time.

3. Skip the late night caffeine. Caffeine has a strong sway on some people. As much we may love our coffee, soda and tea, drinking it close to bed time could be part of the problem. Cutting yourself off a few hours early shouldn’t cause huge caffeine withdrawal issues, and hopefully it will help with the insomnia.

4. Spoon those puffy eyes. If your eyes look rough after a sleepless night, you do not need to go to work looking like you’ve be beat by your significant other. Keep two spoons in your freezer. If your eyes are swollen, put the spoons over each eye to reduce the swelling. Q-tips and cold water will also do the trick for minor swelling.

5. Get on a schedule. One way to break through the insomnia cycle is to get on a sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. This can be difficult if you have a strange work schedule or stay out late on the weekends. Try to stick to your schedule for a month or so, or until your body adjusts. Once your body adjusts, it will no longer be a question of forcing yourself to go to sleep, it will just be your body’s daily routine.

6. Get on a schedule. One way to break through the insomnia is to get on a sleep schedule. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day. This can be difficult if you have a strange work schedule or stay out late on the weekends. Try to stick you your schedule for a month or so, or until your body adjusts. Once your body adjusts, it will no longer be a question of forcing yourself to go to sleep, it will just be your body’s daily routine.