5 Things That Rob You Of Your Sleep

This articles describes 5 topics that rob you of the sleep that you desperately need to keep healthy and alert.

Sleep Robber #1: An over-active mind.

You may sometimes fret over something when you're trying to fall asleep. Thereason for this is that you can't focus your thinking when trying to drop-off in the same way as you can when you're awake.

People have little control over their thoughts. They may be going in and out of a light stage of sleep, even though they think they are awake.

The solution is to get up and go to another part of the house - but leave the lights off. You should then be able to go back to bed and fall asleep.

This is a startegy that has be researched and is known as stimulus control and helps in you not associating anxiety with your bed.

Another technique is to write down all your problems together with a solution before you go to bed.

Sleep Robber #2: Sleeping in at Week-ends.

One of the worst things you can do is have a really late night and expect to "catch" by laying in the next day.

The author of "The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep," Lawrence Epstein, M.D. says that your body's internal clock is controlled by a cluster of nerve cells in your brain that regulate your body temperature and appetite.

The solution is to not sleep more than an extra hour if you have had a late one the night before. And perhpas a 'catnap' in the afternoon - but no more than 30 minutes or so.

Sleep Robber #3: A Bedmate.

A lot of people may not know this but a partner snoring can reach 90 decibels - that's as loud as a kitchen mixer. If your partner snores it is likely to wake you up during REM sleep - which is your most restful phase.

The solution is to ask your partner to sleep on his, or her, side rather than on their back. If that doesn't work then try earplugs.

Sleep Robber #4: Your hormones.

Women suffer from fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone before and during periods. And this affects sleep.

The solution is to take a hot bath a couple of hours before retiring. Also avoid caffeine after lunch and alchohol at least 3 hours before retiring. And if this doesn't work you can consider hormone therapy.

Sleep Robber #5: Eating Too Little.

If you go to bed hungry the pangs will wake you up. People that are trying to lose weight frequently wake up.

The solution is to save some of your calories for a high protein snack just prior to bedtime. Protein produces greater satiety than carbohydrates and fat.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------Phil Whiting is the editor of 'Natural Insomnia Solution' and offers a FREE chapter download at his website http://www.NaturalInsomniaSolution.com along with FREE tips on getting a good night's sleep. His package of resources is a tested and proven method for curing your insomnia without the need for pills or potions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------