An extra tip from last week’s post:
* Kate says, “There are special fabrics you can wear that you dampen and as they evaporate, they specifically cool. I have a sample of the arm bands from Columbia Omni Freeze, I would love a shirt made out of this material!
I am also seriously considering buying a “Cool Fat Buster” because it’s apparently a very excellent, long lasting product, to wear around my house when I need to be cooled (a few of my friends have it). At least I need to get a vest (wanted to make one but it never happened this summer) to insert ice packs, I function SO much better when I’m chilled.”
Thank you, Kate! 🙂
And now, on to today’s tip!
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord, will keep me safe. – Psalm 4:8
Insomnia is a monster that stalks me in the dark. So true. In the light, I seem to be able to collapse into sleep, but it’s just not the restful sleep we get if we rest at night. It’s a terrible problem that all chronically ill fight. Sometimes it’s pain that keeps me up. Other times it’s just that my brain doesn’t send the proper signals.
I’d like to share with you some tips that have helped when I’m having insomnia. Keep in mind that I have yet to conquer this issue, but if any of these tips could help you, I want to share them.
I do not take medication to help me sleep. If you do, please keep doing it as long as your doctor advises. That’s the first thing. Also, if you feel you need medication to help you sleep, please discuss this with your doctor and then make the best informed decision you can for yourself. There is no shame in needing and using medication that betters your quality of life or your health.
I do use melatonin, an herb that helps with the way your body naturally produces the chemicals needed to feel sleepy. I also use yellow light bulbs in my bedroom, because yellow light has been shown to help aid in the brain’s production of melatonin.
I have found that it is helpful to have a set evening routine and to stick with that routine as often as possible. This really does help me to train my brain about when it is time to start winding down and getting ready for sleep. Your bedtime routine could include a soothing bath, a nice herbal tea, perhaps a bit of reading or quiet music. Get comfy and quiet down. The evening routine should not include television or computers, since they stimulate the awake areas of the brain.
Unless……
We have found a wonderful program that runs on my laptop which changes the colors and brightness of my screen, according to the time of day. This has really made a huge difference for me. Now I can continue to work my puzzle app, or even write, as part of my bedtime routine, and not be affected by the awake areas being stimulated.
Another tip I have is that you talk with your doctor about a sleep study. I sleep so much better now that I have my CPAP machine, and I stay asleep more easily, too. It’s possible that you aren’t breathing properly when your body falls into deep sleep. This is not only frustrating, but can be very dangerous. A sleep study is inconvenient, but is only one night and could produce great benefits in your sleep, and therefore in your quality of life.
The last tip I’ll give is that if you are just laying there with eyes wide open in the dark, as sleep eludes you, consider spending that time in prayer. It may not make you drowsy, but it’s the perfect way to spend the time, and you couldn’t ask for better company.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel never slumbers or sleeps. – Psalm 121:4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t62lEPS4ITg
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May God Bless You,
Shelly
