Tips and Tricks to Falling Asleep and Staying Asleep

Do you find yourself tossing and turning at night? Is your mind racing worrying about the next day’s tasks and activities? Millions of Americans are working overtime just to keep up, while others have family issues they’re worried about that’s keeping them up at night. Here are some helpful tips to clear your mind and get you to fall asleep and stay asleep:
Plan ahead for the next day earlier in the day.
Don’t wait until bedtime to start thinking about what you need to do the next day – especially if you already know it’s going to be a busy one. This way, you can clear your mind well before bedtime so you can fall asleep a little easier.
If you are tossing and turning… get up and go to another room. Don’t be frustrated because you can’t fall asleep, this will only destroy your sleep environment.
Create a ritual – Perhaps a hot bath or a cup of caffeine-free herbal tea will help set your mind and body at ease? However, avoid eating, working or watching TV in bed.
If these tricks don’t work, you may have an underlying medical condition that’s the culprit.

• chronic pain
• acid reflux
• restless leg syndrome (RLS)
• sleep apnea
• menopause

If you’re suffering from lack of sleep and , talk to your doctor about some of the issues you’re having. He may be able to help you with medications, or refer you to a sleep disorder clinic for a comprehensive sleep study.