Falling asleep can be a challenge for adults at any stage of life, but it can be especially challenging as we age. And lack of sleep can make the rest of life feel more difficult — but there are some things you can do in your assisted living apartment to encourage more sleep. Try these five tips to fall asleep easier and feel more rested.
1. Get a thorough checkup
The inability to fall asleep, stay asleep or get a significant amount of sleep could relate to a medical issue. Thyroid issues, various deficiencies and imbalances and other issues can cause insomnia or sleep problems.
You may find after a visit to your doctor in Fort Worth that you have a minor health issue that can be easily addressed so you can get a good night's rest.
2. Consider homeopathic solutions
Once medical issues have been ruled out or addressed, if you still have issues sleeping, consider common homeopathic solutions. One common over-the-counter homeopathic medication is melatonin, which is available in multiple doses. Other OTC homeopathic solutions to consider are GABA and 5-HTP. These solutions work with chemicals in your body to help produce natural sleep, and they help millions of Americans each night.
Always check with your doctor before taking homeopathic solutions, because even all-natural products can interact poorly with certain medications or health conditions.
3. Meditate or pray before bedtime
Meditation or prayer can help you relax and soothe your mind, so you can slip into sleep and stay there all night. If you've never engaged in meditation practices, consider educating yourself on YouTube, where you can find numerous videos and guided meditations. Many people use prayer as a contemplative time, and meditating on a favorite Scripture or talking to God before bed can also help you find the peace needed to fall asleep.
4. Soothing yourself with music to bring on sleep
Apps that you can access on your Apple or Android devices such as iPads or Kindles provide access to thousands of recordings designed to help you achieve certain goals, including a good night’s sleep. The American Sleep Association provides a list of what it considers the best apps for helping you manage your sleep cycle.
5. Try changing your schedule
Although circadian rhythms mean most people sleep at night and are awake during the day — and common practice convinces us that we need to fall asleep and wake up by certain times — your individual body simply may not work that way.
Do you find yourself growing drowsy at certain times of the day while you’re wakeful all night? Instead of continuing to fight that just to be a part of the regular sleep crowd, give in to your own body’s needs. Consider making those times when you are most drowsy your main sleep times of the day, and stay up at night to work on your hobbies, catch up on shows and live the rest of your life. This may be the right solution for you, especially if you have a history of working the night shift and your body is already used to this practice.
You don’t have to go through life severely fatigued because you consistently miss out on sleep. And if you need help finding local medical professionals in Fort Worth or classes you can take to learn more about meditation or homeopathy, talk to your caring staff here at Bethesda Gardens.
