Disturbed Sleep
Whatever the reason for your disturbed sleep it all adds up to the same misery.
There is nothing worse than being awake in the middle of the night. It is even more unpleasant when unwanted thoughts creep in making you worry and making falling sleep more out of reach. And, of course you pay for it the next day – you feel sluggish, tired and the brain just will not function.
Your skin also reflects poor sleep pattern resulting wrinkles, dull dry skin, bags and dark circles under your eyes. A lack of sleep can speed up the ageing process and take years off your life. And it can also affect your brain, it is hard to concentrate and your memory can suffer.
We are referring only to disturbed sleep and the knock on effects and do not include Insomnia in this topic which should always be referred to a doctor.
There are many causes and once you know which interferes with your body’s ability to sleep you are half way to sorting it out. The following reasons are the most common but of course there are many others.
Stress
This is the most common and is usually the result of a heavy workload, balancing work and home, taking on too much responsibility, not being able to say no to commitments. Or it could be a worry either real or imagined that is causing you stress.
What to do
Keep Bach Original Flower Remedies Rescue Remedy either drops or sprays handy during the day to help calm you. For night time Bach Original Flower Remedies Rescue Night either drops or spray.
Learn to relax with either Yoga or meditation. And if this isn't for you a warm bath before bed can help too with some relaxing essential oils. We really like for when you really want to slow down, unwind and be quiet this soothing, grounding fusion of Vertivert, Lavender and Camomile will bring the world to a stand still.
Snoring (either you or your partner)
If it’s you then you will probably wake yourself up by catching your breath or your snoring is so loud. Or maybe you wake up with a very dry mouth because of having your mouth open.
Read more about snoring here.
What to do
You may have an excess of mucous and if this is the case then try to take out of your diet all food containing cow’s milk.
Try to sleep on your side instead of your back.
If it is particularly bad then consider seeking professional advice.
If it is your partner, they will first deny it of course, so politely share the above and ask them to get some help too.
Night Sweats
This happens usually at the time you are having Hot Flushes read our topic on Hot Flushes & Night Sweats for more information.
Grinding Teeth
This is usually a sign of stress. It would be a good idea to see a dentist who may be able to advise and fit a mouth guard to help save your teeth.
Eating large meals too late
Dine like a pauper means having a light meal as your last meal of the day. It is also worth having that meal at least 3 hours before you go to bed. Obviously when you socialise this is not always possible but eating large and late should not be routine.
Acid Reflux
Read our topic on Acid Reflux for more information and help on what to do.
Just getting older
It’s true you do not need as much sleep as you get older.
Maybe go to bed later and make sure you're really tired.
For night time Bach Original Flower Remedies Rescue Night can help sleep in either drops or spray form.
Being in pain Wherever you have pain you are going to find it difficult to sleep. If it is on-going then you need to seek help from your GP.
Restless Legs Read our take on
Restless Legs for more information and advice on how to help make this better
Cramp This can be excruciating and can certainly wake you up very quickly. The reason is usually because you have stretched out a leg and WHAM!!!
The causes can be either lack of calcium or magnesium or salt or water.
What to do:If it is calcium or magnesium deficiency either take a supplement or use a magnesium spray before you go to bed at night. We really like
BetterYou BetterYou Magnesium Oil - Goodnight Spray
If you are low on either salt or water just increase as necessary.