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Well, I don't believe there is a set cure for insomnia, as it depends on the individual and the circumstances that are causing it, but here are some points that may affect your ability to go to sleep:
1. stress - if you're worrying a lot about your work, personal life, finances etc, your mind will be busy spinning thoughts around and in full working mode, which prevents the brain to switch off and let you get to sleep.

even though it's hard, try to do something relaxing and distracting before you go to bed (hot bath, favourite film, music, reading etc) and when you turn off the light, concentrate on 'happy thoughts' i.e. something that doesn't have anything to do with the area of worry / concern
2. overindulgence - too much food or drink (or both) can make for sleepless nights. try eating nothing for 2 hours before bedtime, also while alcohol can help you fall asleep easier, if you overo it, you're bound to wake up an hour or so later unablto get back to sleep (never mind the hangover in the morning) - obviously the same goes for any substance abuse, as the drugs will take over your mind and depending on what it is you're taking, you'll either be up all night or have a very restless sleep
3. staying up to late - the best sleep is to be gained from the period before midnight, in terms of how your body uses the rest period to repair itself - so staying up till 2am ever night and then trying to get to sleep is a lot harder than trying to get into a routine of going to sleep at 10pm 5 days a week
4. a 'noisy' bedroom - as in lots of stuff lying around, littered with old plates, the TV on in the background etc. may disrupt your body's ability to switch off making sure the bedroom is really only for sleeping (no TV, no computer,no eating in bed etc), so that your body gets programmed into sleeping mode when you go to bed might help. also, make sure the temperature is right (about 18-20 degrees celsius, anything else is too warm) and you've got the right mattress, bed etc to make you feel comfy and prevent any back aches or other physical symptoms that could prevent you from sleeping
5. medical conditions such as sleep apnoea - if you think you're affected, obviously go to your doctor and get it treated. other medical conditions can affect sleep, e.g. hypertension (high blood pressure), so again, getting a check-up with your doctor might help identify the problem
6. exercise - while generally a good thing, especially since it'll help your bod and mind stay healthy and can prevent stress, depression etc it's not good when done two or less hours before bedtime, as your body won't have enough time to calm down

I'm sure there are numerous 'house cures' such as certain drinks (hot milk, rum and honey etc) that might also help, but looking at the list above just to make sure none of the obvious might prevent you from sleeping could solve the problem!

Learn more about this author, Vanessa Fagan.
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