What can help you sleep ?

Here are some suggestions to help you sleep.

A glass of warm milk can quickly put someone to sleep.

A well used and healthy body has very little trouble sleeping. If you have followed all the tips for getting enough sleep — sleeping on a regular schedule, avoiding caffeine and daytime naps, exercising regularly, and managing stress.  Then you will probably only have trouble falling asleep occasionally.

• Make sure your bed is comfortable. Different types of mattresses help with different issues. Some mattresses are made to accommo¬date different type’s bedmates’ sleeping habits and comfort levels. Others are made to adjust to your firmness preferences. In addition, try therapeutic-shaped foam pillows that cradle your neck or extra pillows that help you sleep on your side. Make sure your sheets are com¬fortable and clean.

• Ensure your bedroom remains primarily a place for sleeping. Don’t use your bed for paying bills, doing work, etc. Help your body recognize that this is a place for rest or intimacy.

• Keep your bedroom peaceful and comfortable. Make sure your room is well ventilated and the temperature is consistent, and try to keep it quiet. If you have a problem with out¬side noise, a fan or a “white noise” machine can help block it out.

• Hide your clock. A big, illuminated digital clock may cause you to focus on the time and make you feel stressed and anxious. Place your clock so you can’t see the time when you are in bed.

• Do not nap during the day. If you are having trouble sleeping at night, try not to nap during the day. If you are feeling especially tired and feel as if you absolutely must nap, be sure to sleep for less than 30 minutes, early in the day.

• Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages for several hours before bedtime.

• Don’t smoke. Nicotine is a stimulant and can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep.

• Expose yourself to bright light/sunlight soon after awakening. This will help to regulate your body’s natural biological clock. Likewise, try to keep your bedroom dark while you are sleeping so that the light will not interfere with your rest.

• Exercise early in the day. Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise every day can help you sleep, but be sure to exercise in the morning or afternoon. Exercise stimulates the body and aerobic activity before bedtime may make falling asleep more difficult.

• Check your iron level. Iron deficient women tend to have more problems sleeping, so if your blood is iron poor, a supplement might help you sleep

But the best suggestion comes from our mothers; a glass of warm milk will always help put you to sleep.