Sleeping - improving sleep

Many of us experience sleeping problems and these problems may be temporary or ongoing.

For those who find getting to sleep and then staying asleep hard there could be a number of explanations. Some people are light sleepers, others only need what seems like a limited number of hours sleep and still more people wake up due to muscular or skeletal discomfort.

If the problem appears to be related to some kind of discomfort, then it is possible that the bed, or more probably, the actual mattress could be at the heart of the poor sleep pattern. If this is the case then changing the mattress for one offering a superior orthopedic foundation could be the solution. Often problems connected with the back can be caused by, or accentuated by, a poor mattress and even a poor sleeping posture. A new mattress made from good quality pocket springs or memory foam may resolve the discomfort and result in a far better night’s sleep.
If the sleeping trouble is not physical, then it may be down to stress, restlessness or keeping the mind active and purposeful immediately prior to trying to sleep.

Obviously medication “may” be a solution to these impediments, however having a proper sleep “preparation” regime can often have surprisingly good results. In fact in many cases changing a few things that you do, or don’t do, before you go to bed can completely alter your sleep pattern.

The first thing to do is to try and relax and relaxing actually takes a conscious effort – it is not something that just happens.

Concentrating on breathing and rhythms can be one way of relaxing, or trying to clear the mind of all thoughts can be another.

One mistake that many people make is in doing something mentally taxing prior to going to bed. Unless you feel tired, doing a crossword, watching an action film, or playing on a PC game is not a good way to prepare for sleep. You want your mind to be slowing down, not being activated and stimulated.

Information about sleeping techniques and tips can be found at the sleep council's website.