4 of 18

Write now Article Tools

Sleep is the time when the body gets a chance to replenish and recharge itself. To avoid letting all the daily tasks overwhelm you, accept the gift of sleep that nature provides for you to help you unwind, relax and cope better. Work with your body and when it craves sleep give in to it, in return you will feel alert and refreshed, ready to face another busy day ahead of you .

For some of us this can be difficult as the mind carries on working even while the body is trying to sleep. You have to consciously stop the mind from thinking "awake" thoughts and train it to shut itself for some time. Visualisation techniques can help you do this by blocking thoughts about work or errands that need to be completed and focus on a place of quietness and tranquility. Use the creativity of your mind to take you into gardens where flowers abound and where there is peace with only the gentle sound of a running spring. The only companions you have here are relaxation and bliss. As you practise this visualisation on a continual basis it will train the mind to automatically take you to this peaceful haven each time you shut your eyes.

Use sleep inducing aromatherapy oils like lavender oil in your bedroom or a few drops on your pillow to relax the body through the sense of smell. Very light background music can also help to shut out sounds of traffic or any other loud noises that interfere with your sleep. Keep the temperature of your room at a comfortable level so that the body does not get over heated or too cold and don't forget to switch off bright lights.

Avoid stimulating discussions or drinking coffee before bedtime as these can make the mind active and difficult to shut down. Also avoid exercising before you sleep as this too can have a stimulatory effect on the mind and body. Heavy meals before sleep time are never a good idea as they can give you discomfort and keep you awake so stick to a light meal taken well before bed time to give the body enough time to digest it.

Having sleep time routines like a warm bath before bedtime, a warm milky drink or even a fixed time when you go to bed can send signals to the mind that it is time to sleep. Make sure the mattress you sleep on and your pillow is comfortable or you might wake up feeling more tired than you did before you went to bed.

Despite all these measures if you still feel that you are finding it hard to shut down then try some herbal sleep aids using a pharmacist's advice or see your doctor.

Learn more about this author, Shaheen Darr.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to give yourself the gift of sleep?
We want to hear your view. Write now!