Why can’t I Sleep? – Sleep Specialists discuss

If you often lie awake wondering ‘Why can’t I sleep’, you’re not alone. Around 50% of the population struggle with sleeping issues and this number is on the rise. So why is this the case? One likely reason is the increasing dependency on technology and processed foods, along with a high-stress environment and a rush, rush, rush mentality that means we are non-stop on the go ALL the time. This constant rushing means that your body is continuously on high alert –  it’s no wonder your brain finds it hard to switch off at night!

If you’re struggling to get those all-important 8 hours of z’s each night read on for some helpful hints.

• Ensure your neck is in correct alignment

The position of your head and neck whilst sleeping is super important. Invest in a good pillow to ensure your neck is in a “neutral” position when you’re resting on your back. It should be just the right amount of support and size – not too hard, not too soft, not to fat and not too flat.

Tip: If you sleep on your side try to line your nose up with the center of your body. Never sleep on your stomach as it is really bad for your neck.

• Turn your devices off

The blue light emitted from your cell phone, tablet, or digital clock on your bedside table interferes with your sleep and makes it harder to fall asleep.

Tip: Set an alarm on your main device – usually your smartphone. Then turn off any TVs, computers, and other blue-light sources an hour before you go to bed. Cover any displays you can’t shut off and take your alarm clock out of your room.

• Have a consistent bedtime

Erratic sleep schedules and nighttime activities can interrupt your circadian rhythm and negatively impact on your sleep quality.

Tip: Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day. This will help to reinforce your body’s sleep-wake cycle. Set an alarm on your phone to remind you when to go to bed and follow a relaxing wind-down routine to help promote sleepiness and tell the body it’s time for bed.

• Eat and drink sensibly before bed

Going to bed either hungry or too full can cause discomfort and make it hard to fall asleep at night. Alcohol may help you drift off faster, but can later lead to poor quality sleep and may cause you to wake in the night. Try to limit your intake of alcohol before bedtime.

Tip: Having a small snack before bed that contains both protein and carbs will provide the amino acids you need for quality sleep as well as the necessary nutrients to help them cross the blood-brain barrier.

• Manage your stress

I can’t emphasise this point enough. Stress is a HUGE contributor to sleeping troubles so if stress is an issue for you, it is super important to target stress management as a means to help you sleep better at night. What you do during the day impacts on what happens to your health at night and vice versa.

Tip: Regular exercise and meditation have been shown to lower stress hormone levels. Try to avoid stimulants such as coffee, sugar and energy drinks as these create rollercoasters of cortisol production which can leave you shattered in the day and wired at night. Caffeine takes 9 hours to metabolise. Many people say “oh coffee doesn’t affect me, I can go to sleep right after drinking coffee”. They might get to sleep but they are not getting good sleep.

Its important to nourish and feed your sleep pathways and support the way your body responds to stress. Supplementation with a comprehensive formula such as Healthy Sleep capsules can offer additional support of you are struggling to get your stress levels under control and have trouble sleeping at night.

Email us on support@sleepdrops.co.nz if you want to check if our Healthy Sleep capsules are right for you.