Sleep problems are common in the U.S. In some cases, these problems are caused by diagnosable health conditions. You may also have less serious but still significant sleep issues. Many people turn to sleeping pills to deal with insomnia or anxiety-related sleep problems. Unfortunately, you can get addicted to these kinds of medications. If this happens to you, you can seek treatment in a Colorado sleeping pill abuse rehab program. In addition, you can avoid the risks associated with sleeping pills by using natural methods to improve your sleep. A variety of such methods are available.
Natural Ways to Promote Healthy Sleep
#1: Alternatives to Sleeping Pills: Establish a Regular Sleep Routine
If you’re like many people in today’s hectic world, you don’t have a regular, established sleep routine. During the week, you may get up early so you can make it to work on time. But on weekends and holidays, you may sleep in and get your day going hours later.
This kind of irregular sleep pattern can be extremely enticing. However, it tends to take a toll on your ability to get truly restful, restorative sleep. Why? Humans are biologically wired to follow an internal sleep/wake clock. This clock can easily get disrupted when you go to bed and get up at varying times. As a result, the duration and quality of your sleep may suffer.
You can avoid this problem by maintaining consistent times for going to bed and waking up. Stick to your routine even when you have the opportunity to wake up later in the day. This may not sound like a whole lot of fun. However, the benefits of improved sleep may well outweigh the pleasures of occasionally sleeping in.
#2: Alternatives to Sleeping Pills: Exercise as a Natural Way to Promote Healthy Sleep
Research shows that regular exercise is an excellent way to promote healthier sleep. Experts typically recommend moderate aerobic activity. This kind of exercise can increase the time you sleep deeply each night. That’s important because deep sleep is needed to rejuvenate your brain and body.
A regular aerobic routine can help you improve even an extremely poor sleeping pattern. In addition, it may also:
- Give you more energy during your waking hours
- Decrease your susceptibility to daytime sleepiness
- Improve your overall mood
Be sure not to exercise within a roughly three-hour window before you go to bed. If you don’t take this precaution, you may still be too revved up to fall asleep or stay asleep.
#3: Alternatives to Sleeping Pills: Make Suitable Changes to Your Diet
Foods and beverages in your diet can significantly impact your ability to get restful sleep. To avoid problems, sleep specialists recommend avoiding certain foods and drinks at night. The list of these items includes:
- Chocolate
- Caffeinated beverages
- Heavy or spicy foods
You should also avoid that late-night beer, cocktail, or glass of wine if possible. Alcohol before bedtime may make it easier for you to fall asleep. However, its effects on your brain also make it more likely that you will wake in the middle of the night. And once you do, you may find it hard to fall back asleep.
Learn More About Natural Alternatives to Sleeping Pills at Women’s Recovery
Want more information on sleeping pill alternatives? Talk to the women-focused specialists at Women’s Recovery. We’re happy to suggest ways to promote healthier sleep without medication.
Are you already affected by serious sleeping pill problems? Women’s Recovery is your source of high-quality abuse and addiction treatment. To get started, just call us today at 833.754.0554. You can also reach us through our online message form.