Sometimes getting to sleep isn’t the problem. Sometimes, we’re asleep for a few hours and then for no apparent reason, wake up—and stay awake. Experiencing this problem for an extended period of time could be an indication of insomnia, and should be discussed with your doctor. But, keep these tips in mind next time you’re tossing and turning; they may provide you some relief:
1. Don’t get up: Your body produces melatonin (a chemical that helps us sleep) when in a dark environment, so exposing yourself to light can counteract that process. Furthermore, arousing your muscles and initiating more blood flow may have your body wondering if you intend on staying up. The exception, of course, is if you’ve got to use the bathroom!
2. Keep your eyes off the clock: While this can be painstakingly difficult, watching the minutes roll by will do nothing more than agitate you. If your alarm clock faces your bed, try turning it away such that the numbers aren’t pointed toward you.
3. Keep a glass of water nearby: If you wake up and finding yourself thirsty at night, a glass of water on a nightstand can help provide some relief for a dry throat. In addition, it will keep you from having to get up, which we discussed in tip number one!
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