need to be up early but can't sleep

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asked Jan 3, 2017 in Other- Health by jjg (960 points)
I need to be up by 6:00 AM but I'm unable to sleep and it's 12:00 AM now.

What can I do to get to sleep. I don't have any sleeping pills.

2 Answers

0 votes
answered Jan 3, 2017 by Tansinator (1,920 points)
1. Keep track.
Record how much and when you sleep, fatigue levels throughout the day, and any other symptoms. This serves two purposes: It can identify activities that help or hurt the chances of a good night’s rest, and it’s a useful tool for a doctor or therapist, should you decide to see one. Digital programs like Zeo, YawnLog, and a variety of apps can all make snooze-tracking easier.

2. Try therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia is a pretty common technique. Also called CBT-I, the therapy typically involves self-monitoring, mental strategies (like developing positive thoughts about sleep), and creating an environment that promotes sleep—and it’s been shown to improve sleep quality . Learn these strategies with the help of a therapist or with online guidance or books—both are equally effective ways of implementing CBT-I . Not into seeing a therapist? Check out Sleepio, a digital program that helps users learn about and implement CBT practices from the comfort of their own homes.

3. Establish a regular bedtime routine.
Find activities that help you wind down before bed, and stick to the same sleep-wake schedule, even on weekends.

4. Use the bed appropriately.
Beds should be reserved for sleep and sex—and nothing else. Bringing work into the bedroom is a sure-fire way to discourage sleep quality.

5. Choose the right mattress.
Uncomfortable bedding has been linked to poorer sleep quality, while a comfortable mattress can up the chances of a satisfying snooze  .

6. Don’t smoke.
Need another reason to quit? Smokers commonly exhibit symptoms of insomnia—possibly because their bodies go into nicotine withdrawal during the night .

7. See a doctor.
If you’ve tried everything and nothing’s worked, it might be time to consult a professional. A doctor can help rule out any sleep disorders and identify lifestyle factors or medications that might be getting in the way of a good night’s rest.
0 votes
answered Jan 3, 2017 by Tansinator (1,920 points)
8. Exercise early in the day.
Studies find moderate aerobic activity can improve insomniacs’ sleep quality. For best results, exercise at least three hours before bedtime so the body has sufficient time to wind down before hitting the sack.

9. Schedule “worry time” during the day.
Spend 15 minutes addressing problems (journaling is a good way to start) so they don’t sneak up when your head hits the pillow. If a particular event or stressor is keeping you up at night—and it has a clear end date—the problem may resolve itself naturally.

10. Limit caffeine.
It’s tempting to reach for coffee when we’re tired after a poor night’s sleep, but drinking caffeine can make it harder for us to fall asleep at night, creating a vicious cycle . Can’t quit cold turkey? Try limiting caffeine intake to earlier in the day so it’s out of your system by bedtime.

11. Nap the right way.
Just 10 to 20 minutes of napping during the day can help us feel rested (and improve our creativity and memory, to boot!)   . But try to avoid napping after 3:00 or 4:00pm, as this can make it harder to fall asleep at bedtime .

12. Get outside.
Increasing natural light exposure during the day promotes healthy melatonin balance, which can help us get to sleep later in the day.

13. Eat for sleep.
Eat foods high in magnesium, like halibut, almonds, cashews, and spinach, and foods high in vitamin B complex, like leafy green vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Some experts also recommend taking supplements of taurine, vitamin B6, and magnesium.

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