Too Worried To Sleep Properly? 9 Ways To Get Rest In Spite Of Your Fears

The sluggish economy has people so troubled that almost one-third of the population is losing sleep because of job concerns, debt problems, health care costs etc. The 2009 Sleep in America™ poll conducted for the National Sleep Foundation revealed that 16% of Americans were unable to sleep properly due to the state of their personal finances, with another 15% worried over the general state of the economy, 10% concerned about jobs and 8% anxious about health care expenses. Not only are people having more trouble sleeping; they are sleeping for fewer hours too. The poll reported that two out of every 10 got less than six hours of sleep every night and a staggering 90% reported having insomnia a few nights in a week. People who never had problems sleeping before are tossing and turning every night, yet very few people share these problems with their doctors.

Not getting enough sleep not only negatively impacts your health but it also reduces your general productivity too. You are also way more likely to indulge in a whole host of compensatory unhealthy behaviors just to get you through the day. The same report detailed how people were prone to eat more foods high in carbohydrates and sugar, smoke cigarettes and drink lots more coffee just to get through the day. It even poses significant safety risks. More than 50% of the people surveyed reported driving to work when they were drowsy.

It’s essential to get adequate rest since your body uses that time to repair damage and restore itself. Living in a sleep-deprived state not only impairs your ability to function well during the day but can also have long-term effects on your health. You are more likely to be irritable, exercise less, have a lower sex drive or eat poorly. It’s more important than ever to get a good eight hours of sleep every night during a recession so that you don’t exacerbate other issues.

So what can you do to sleep better? Here are tips to help you get a good nights rest.

1) Firstly, try to avoid getting stressed out right before bedtime. Avoid watching dismal news, pondering about unpaid bills, or bringing up sensitive issues with your family.

2) Try to avoid drinking lots of coffee or drinks high in caffeine at least 8 hrs before you sleep. Stay away from alcohol for a while.

3) Stick to a regular time. Try to go to sleep at the same time everyday.

4) Get rid of all distractions. Switch off you television, mobile phone, laptop etc and any other gadget that might disturb you.

5) If you are too worried to sleep keep a ‘Worry Box’ next to your bed. Write down all your worries and just dump them in the box.

6) If you are in the habit of exercising in the evenings, try to finish up at least three hours before you head off to sleep.

7) It’s easier to fall asleep when you are relaxed. Listen to some soothing music, do some relaxation exercises, yoga or meditation or simply take a hot bath.

8) Make sure that you are comfortable in your bed. Indulge in some satin sheets, softer pillows or quilts; whatever works for you! Ensure that the room is dark, quiet and conducive to a good nights sleep.

9) Keep work out of the bedroom. Let it be an intimate space for you.

If you continue to have trouble sleeping, talk it over with your doctor. Sleep disorders are linked to chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes etc. and if left untreated can greatly complicate and even worsen these problems.