6 Tips to Help You Sleep Better

If you're anything like me, sleep has never been something that comes easily. It may be hard to believe but for some of us, sleep is a lot of work. You may even feel tired, but the second you're in your bed you just can't fall asleep. Your body is exhausted but your mind just can't seem to turn off. Does this sound familiar?

You toss and turn, but nothing feels comfortable. The more you try to relax the less relaxed you feel. This is frustrating to say the least because as humans, we physically need sleep to function.

There are few things worse than being absolutely exhausted; sleeplessness affects just about everything in our lives. When you're tired, you're just not full yourself: you're irritable, you don't work as well because you can't concentrate, your main concern is going home to sleep. When you're tired you don't care about meeting new people, talking about interesting things, or trying anything new. Being tired holds us back, and with good reason.

When your brain is tired, everything in your life goes on the back burner. We shouldn't have to miss out on making new memories because of being sleepy. So how can you go about changing this? How can you sleep better? It's actually easier than you may have thought:

1. Camomile Tea

This is sent from the heavens. It can be bought from practically any grocery store and is inexpensive. If you drink a cup of this a few hours or so before bed, it can really make a difference. Camomile is an herb found in plants and has been known for centuries as the 'BedTime Tea.'

As stated by The Tea Talk, "This tea, with its mild sedative effects, is treasured for its ability to relieve insomnia and encourage a good night's sleep, free of nightmares."

I've had excellent experiences with the tea and find it really calms your mind and better. This is so helpful for unwinding and getting ready for a good night sleep.

2. Don't Spend Time In Your Bed

If you're not sleeping, get out of your bed! If you start to use your bed as a place to hang out rather than just for sleep, the mind begins associating it with being awake rather than resting.

Try to only lay down in your room when you're going to sleep, that way your brain will associate the bed with relaxation and sleep.

Additionally, if you wake up and can't go back to sleep, get out of your bed. Hang out in the living room or anywhere but the bed. Try laying down again in a half hour when you're feeling tired.

3. Turn Off The Technology

Your laptop, phone and television all produce light and sounds that stimulate the brain. It may seem comforting to fall asleep watching a show or playing on your phone, but it's actually stimulating your brain and keeping it awake.

Try turning everything off about an hour or so before you  plan on going to bed; you may have an easier time relaxing your mind.

4. Hot Showers

A hot shower or bath can also be really great for relaxing your mind and body. The warm water makes your muscles relax and your body relaxing can trigger the mind to follow.

5. Meditation or Yoga

Practicing yoga or meditation before bed has been proven to help relax the mind and body. According to Health.com, "…Do-it-yourself meditation practices may help you prepare for rest, and put worries or discomfort behind you." 

If you already know how to self-soothe your mind and body, you'll be that much better prepared to go to sleep. You can do meditation or yoga throughout the day or at night, whichever you prefer. Either way, being able to control your mind and body is very powerful. Through the practice of meditation or yoga, you'll better understand your mind and how to most successfully make yourself unwind.

6. Exercise

This may not be for everyone, but for me, exercising in the evening has really helped for a better night's sleep. Working out gets your blood and body moving; so when you finish, not only does it regulate itself, it also makes you feel tired. This can help exhaust you for bedtime.

Again, this may not be for everyone, but it's definitely worth a shot.