If you do not want to suffer all the mental and physical complications due to sleep deprivation, you need to find a way to remedy your sleeping disorders. The reasons for your sleeplessness can be complicated, like anything related to brain function. And it could also be incredibly simple, like changing the mattress. No matter what the reason may be, the important thing to do is to try to find the root cause and try to resolve it. The best way to do this is to follow these 7 tips to help you sleep better and beat sleep deprivation.
Number One: A Very Comfortable Bed. The first of the 7 tips to help you sleep better and beat sleep deprivation sounds simple enough, but people have a hard time getting rid of bad habits (or things). About sixty percent of people do not throw away their mattresses even if they feel uncomfortable sleeping in it. This goes with pillows. At times, people find certain sleeping pillows or specialized pillows helpful as well. Pillows like these can offer spinal support, or better neck support, and these might be worth a try. The bed is obviously one of the most important things when it comes to sleeping, so make sure everything (smell, texture, etc) is comfortable, including blankets or comforters.
Number Two: Scent. Aromatherapy can help you feel sleepy. Try lighting scented candles, essential oils or incenses (lavender is a notable scent here). Be careful, though, where you put these things. Fire can be a much worse situation than sleep deprivation. There are also scent diffusers that can give a lethargic air in the room. Or you can use scent in a warm bath. A scented warm bath (just placed few drops of essential oils or bath salts) can make people sleepy. Rubbing scented oils on the body can also help, especially when it is massaged. Potpourri can also be placed in or underneath your pillow. Oils especially, are a good buy. A small bottle can go a long way. Other sleep inducing scents include marjoram, ylang-ylang, and jojoba oil.
Number Three: White Noise. White noise machines are especially effective if you want to go to sleep during daytime, when noises, commotions and distractions are more frequent. White noise machines are typically outfitted with nature sounds. A cheap substitute for this is to set the fan on low.
Number Four: Music. There are numerous music tapes, CDs, or other media devices that are especially recorded to help people fall asleep. Usually a mix of classical music, they can also range from CDs that contain sonic feedback designed to make you feel more relaxed. There are also hypnosis tapes and CDs that are designed to make you fall asleep.
Number Five: Herbs. Usually drank as a tea, herbal remedies to induce sleep can vary in forms. As for teas, chamomile, ginger, and valerian teas are the most recommended. The best time to drink these teas is an hour before going to sleep.
Number Six: Over the Counter Remedies. Occasional or transient insomnia can be caused by temporary stressors or jetlag, and there are medicines that can be easily bought in drugstores. These sleep aids can help you fall asleep fast, but these medicines is by no means a replacement of natural sleep. As much as possible, falling asleep the good old-fashioned way is still the best. Medicines like these should only be taken when rare occasions happen.
Number Seven: Prescription Drugs. The last of the 7 tips to help you sleep better and beat sleep deprivation should, as much as possible, be avoided. Only if the sleeping disorder is severe will you need to consult a doctor for a more radical treatment. The danger of these medications is the side effects, and the possibility of getting addicted to it.