Fenixpunk |
10-24-2005 12:48 PM |
Sleeping pills can help in some cases, but they are not a cure for insomnia. They're only a temporary form of relief. They're best used for only a few days. Regular use can lead to rebound insomnia. This occurs when a person quits taking sleeping pills and his or her insomnia comes back.
Tips to help you sleep
*Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark
*Take a warm bath and then read for 10 minutes every night before going to bed. Soon you'll connect these activities with sleeping, and doing them will help make you sleepy.
*Use the bedroom only for sleeping or having sex. Don't eat, talk on the phone or watch TV while you're in bed.
*Avoid or limit your use of caffeine (coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate), decongestants, and tobacco.
*Exercise more often, but don't exercise within a few hours before going to bed.
*Learn to reduce or manage the stress in your life.
*Don't lie in bed worrying about things. Set aside another time just for worrying. For example, spend 30 minutes after dinner writing down what's worrying you and what you can do about it.
*Try eating a light snack before going to bed, but don't eat too much right before bedtime. A glass of warm milk or some cheese and crackers may be all you need.
*Don't nap during the day if naps seem to make your insomnia worse.
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