Not Sleeping? Here's How to Get a Good Rest This Summer

How are you sleeping at night? Can you fall asleep easily? Do you stay asleep without any problems? If you answered no to any of these, it's time to look at why. Sleep, as you probably know, is important to your health. Without it, our bodies can't recover -- and if we go too long without it, this can actually be fatal. If you are having trouble going to sleep, you need to look at what's wrong and try and fix it. Here are some tips that can help you examine the source of your tossing and turning or discover the root of your insomnia.

Look at the Stress in Your Life

Stress is often behind a restless night's sleep. Although stress is somewhat inescapable, especially during a pandemic, it can destroy your health in a multitude of ways. Some stress can be a good motivator, but the "bad" kind of stress can be destructive. You need to look at what's causing it and keeping you up at night.

What's changed in your life? Did someone die in your family? How is school or work going? Are you having problems in your relationships? For instance, you might be going through a divorce or experiencing marital issues. Between 40% and 50% of marriages end in divorce in the United States. All of these factors can lead to stress and worry that can keep you up at night.

While you may not be able to immediately solve these problems, there are steps you can take to relieve some of that anxiety you're feeling. There is no shame in going to therapy. Maybe go for a run. Take up meditation and yoga. Practicing mindfulness is also a great step. Are there areas in your work life or classes that could allow you to cut back to reduce stress? You may need to make a lifestyle change or a commitment to working on these issues; while this can be difficult, it can result in a better night's sleep.

Other Ways to Enjoy Your Beauty Sleep

Now that you know that you could have stress in your life, what happens next? You have therapy, exercise, and mediation. There are other ways to help you get to sleep. Some people turn to music and ASMR to help them relax and go to sleep. Why not try scents? It may seem simple, but U.S. retail sales of candle products are estimated at approximately $3.14 billion annually. It's been proven that aromatherapy can be used to help people get to sleep. Calming lavender appears to be the go-to for wanting to go to sleep. Rather than using candles, which can present a fire hazard, consider using an aromatherapy system or scented lotion before you go to bed. You can also reset the temperature in your bedroom, as most people sleep more soundly in a cooler space. Other suggestions might include changing your bed linens regularly, turning off your phone at least an hour before you go to sleep, or establishing a regular bedtime routine.

Why it is Important to Sleep

Sleep is important for your health. It's like when you shut down the computer when you are finished using it. You need to put down your body so that it can restart for the day. A lack of sleep can lead to help problems. You could end up gaining weight, have memory problems, and even put yourself at risk for diabetes. A lack of sleep can even be bad for your teeth and jaw -- or dental problems could be exacerbating your restless nights. If you grind your teeth at night or experience TMJ, you might toss and turn quite a bit. A dental check-up every six months is recommended in order to prevent cavities and other dental problems. Go to the dentist or pay a visit to your doctor to see whether there might be any underlying medical issues that could cause a lack of sleep (or be made worse by your insomnia).

You need to get some sleep. If you don't get enough proper sleep, you could end up running your body ragged. Look for the cause of why you can't sleep and treat the problem. When you get a good night's sleep, you will wake up with more energy and a positive look on your life.