And, sleep...

There are many people who love to sleep and have no problems sleeping and then there are those who have problems falling asleep or actually staying asleep and I am one of them.

I don’t usually have any problems drifting off to sleep the problem is actually staying asleep. I usually go to bed at 10pm and fall asleep pretty quickly after that but then I wake up anytime between 12 and 4am (I should state that this doesn’t happen all the time). I have been known to watch an entire movie or a TV series (so grateful for Netflix!). I do go back to bed for an hour or so before waking up to my eyeballs and tip of my nose being licked by my 3 kittens (tongues are like sandpaper but they are so furry and cute)!

I am a morning person, so I like to plan activities that need brain power for the morning session when 3pm arrives I’m not feeling as productive. I should mention that not having enough sleep catches up with me…eventually.

The majority of adults need between 6 and 9 hours of sleep per night to function well. There are a number of methods I have tried over the years to help me sleep and I thought I’d share some with you:

• I do enjoy exercising as it helps to relieve tensions and stress built up over the day. Not only does it help me with my physical and mental health, but also with my sleep - but avoid doing this too near bedtime!
• Cut down my caffeine intake, no coffee after 2pm
• Taking notes or making a “to do” list which helps me organise my thoughts, although I still get some brilliant ideas when I am supposed to be sleeping!
• Having a bedtime routine, keeping to a regular sleep pattern is good for me
• Placing some lavender oil on/under my pillow (I did this then found out I was allergic, oops)

Winding down and getting ready for bed, there are a few things that you could do;

• Taking a warm bath
• Relaxation exercises or listening to relaxation CDs
• Reading a book
• Sleep Apps.

I have used Calm which I found useful. There are many Apps available to try. We are all different so it’s important to try and find what works for us.

The NHS website could be a good starting point for suggestions: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/how-to-get-to-sleep/

I should say that I’m having problems at the moment with sleeping which I’m putting down to the Covid-19 pandemic and being in lockdown.

The lack of physical activity along with different worries and stresses all affecting me. I’m sure this is the same for many of people.

There is light at the end of the tunnel. Be strong and stay safe.

I hope you find some comfort in knowing that you are not alone and having poor sleep affects many people. I hope you manage to find what works for you.

Sleep well friends, Lisa.