This is a Type-A Parent paid post to discuss sleep issues, and to share a new insomnia resource from the National Sleep Foundation.
Sleep that knits up the ravelled sleeve of care The death of each day’s life, sore labour’s bath Balm of hurt minds, great nature’s second course, Chief nourisher in life’s feast. – William Shakespeare
For as long as I can remember, I’ve been a night owl. My Dad was a night owl. My Mom was an early bird. She caught the worms and we, well, we just were not morning people.
You know those people who can fall asleep at the drop of a hat, in the car, on a plane, as soon as their head hits the pillow, I’ve never been one of them.
I’ve had jobs over the years that fit my sleep patterns well, late-night catering, freelance writing, and now, blogging. In college, I wrote my best papers at 3 am. I brought up my wacky sleep patterns last week when I went to see my doctor and she said, “Yes, you are a writer.” Sure, indeed. In my case, the muse is fickle. She loves quiet and loves to dance when everyone else is sleeping.
This is all well and good, but, you see, I am not a vampire, and the world operates on a different schedule. Meetings, interviews, job assignments, meals, family, friends – they all require me to follow their lead.
So, I have struggled with my bouts of insomnia. The earlier I have to get up, the harder it is to fall asleep.
I have tried many different options. Some work better than others. I’ve tried no caffeine or spicy foods in the evening, meditation, yoga, essential oils, listening to the sound of the ocean on tape. While the real ocean works well, the tape never really did it for me.
I recently came across the National Sleep Foundation. This is a great resource that helps with understanding sleep issues and discovering healthy solutions. It contains a wealth of information on the subject of sleep.
Some ideas that I’ve been implementing which I found on this site are designing my ideal bedroom for sleep. This includes dimming the lights about an hour before bed to help shift both body and mind into sleep mode, creating a peaceful environment with calming colors and an uncluttered space, keeping the temperature cool, getting the right mattress, pillows and sheets, and incorporating soothing scents like lavender.
Something I’m working on is not having the tv or the computer on too close to bedtime. That’s a challenge for me, but, it truly helps as the bright light from the computer is not sleep-inducing, but rather the opposite. Daily exercise is helpful as is a warm bath before bed, especially when I add relaxing salts and essential oils like lavender, orange, lemon balm, bergamot or jasmine.
I’ve found that a good night’s sleep keeps me healthier, from having less fibromyalgia pain to being more effective at work. Waking up refreshed helps me face the day with a bright outlook, whatever it may hold.
Be sure to check out a new resource from the National Sleep Foundation at sleepfoundation.org/insomnia – a good place to start if you think you have insomnia or aren’t sleeping. The National Sleep Foundation is your trusted resource for everything sleep – understanding how sleep works & why it’s important, learning healthy habits, creating a relaxing bedroom & bedtime routine, & finding solutions to your sleep issues.
Very good article. I have trouble falling asleep when the weather gets warmer. I have hot flashes and can tell you that since last Friday when it has gotten hotter outside I have not slept well. I have stopped drinking coffee which helps. But I need to turn off the lights and computer earlier. this is what is probably causing me to have a hard time falling asleep. Thanks for this helpful post.
A good night’s sleep is so important and it’s amazing how many people struggle with falling asleep. I use to have this issue, then I had kids. I guess I needed to do something that would wear me out!
I only have trouble if I have a lot on my mind before bed. Thankfully that’s no too often.
My problem is when I struggle to fall asleep I then work myself up about how tired I’m going to be which makes it worse!
Sleep is SO important. I often fall asleep very easily but then wake up multiple times during the night. It’s so frustrating!
I have no trouble falling alseep, but wake up sometimes in the middle of the night. I will check out the website!
I have the worst sleep habits. I really need to work harder at turning my computer off before bedtime to get a more restful night’s sleep.
I used to have trouble falling asleep at night, thus I was very much of a night owl. That was BEFORE having kids (they wear me out that once my head hits the pillow, I’m out). Prior to that, I used to stay up all night and sleep during the day – like a vampire. ~lol~ However, I will say that nighttime is usually the best time for me when writing, as I have so much mental clarity.
I’ve found a couple tricks to help me fall asleep quicker but I can always use more! Thanks for sharing about this company!
I have a terrible time falling asleep and then staying asleep once I do. I’ve tried almost everything short of a knockout punch from someone. I have checked out those resources before and they do have good info.
Thank you for the resources and this very helpful blog post.
My husband and I both struggle with sleep issues. Him, sleep apnea and me, my Fibro. It really sucks!!
Thanks for the info ~
I can’t remember the last time I fell asleep quickly and stayed asleep. It has always been an issue for me.
I can’t wait to fall deeply asleep now! 🙂 I usually have to read a bit, toss and turn a bit first.
My husband is a fire captain and his sleep (or lack of) is constantly a concern for me. This post has some things I do, some I haven’t tried yet. Willing to try pretty much anything to see if it works. Sometimes, when he’s home, we take “family naps” all at the same time. I swear…sleepiness is contagious…in a good way.
i try not to use meds to sleep.