Sleep and stress relief

Sleep and stress relief

Lack of sleep and high stress seem to go together. It is like a vicious circle. The more stressed you are the less you can sleep and the less you can sleep the more stressed you get! How do we put a stop to this vicious circle?

When we are stressed there is a hormone called cortisol that is released in our bodies. This is the fight or flight hormone and too much of it will make it very difficult for you to relax and sleep.

Some of the other stress relief techniques mentioned on this website will definitely help with sleep and stress relief. Exercise, Yoga etc will help you sleep much better.

Things to avoid

• Caffeine should be avoided. We tend to drink more caffeine when we are stressed which does not help. Try a herbal tea like chamomile which will relax you.

• Smoking will also add to your anxiety and make sleep very difficult.

• Alcohol will also hinder your sleep. Try to avoid it before bedtime.

Things to do

• Establish a routine sleeping schedule and stick to it. Go to bed and rise at the same time everyday. Your body will get used to this and will start feeling sleepy at the same time everyday.

• Establish a bedtime routine. Do the same things each night before you go to bed. This tells your body that it is getting ready to sleep.

• Make sure your sleeping environment is just right for you. Not too hot – not too cold. Is your mattress comfortable?

• Try not to watch tv or read in bed. Your bed should be for sleeping or making love! You need to condition your body to associate your bed only with sleeping.

• Exercise will definitely help with sleeping.

• Play peaceful and relaxing music before bedtime as this will prepare you for sleep.

• Try having a long bath before bedtime as part of your bedtime routine. You could add some relaxing oils and herbs to the bath.

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