Sleeplessness
Calcium seems to help overcome sleeplessness, as do the popular herbal sedatives camomile tea and valerian root. Another ‘therapy’ for sleep disturbance that does not require ‘taking’ anything is physical activity. Attending a gym in the evenings or having a brisk after-dinner walk can have a dramatic effect on insomnia by reducing the time needed for falling asleep. Swimming releases excess energy that might otherwise cause tension, preparing the mind and body for sleep. Sex is also recommended.
Hints on increasing the likelihood of sleeping well and rising refreshed include the following.
- Spend some time, before you turn in, doing whatever relaxes you – listening to music, taking a warm bath, reading a book.
- Reduce or avoid alcohol, coffee and tea with your evening meal.
- Concentrate on relaxing every part of your body in stages as you lie in bed, from the tips of your toes to your forehead.
- Above all, don’t worry about the amount of sleep you are getting — it is surprising how little one can survive on. A good night’s sleep is whatever is normal for you, with some people requiring only a couple of hours.
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