You’ve tried reading before bed, melatonin, you’ve even tried counting sheep…but sleep just isn’t happening. Insomnia affects more people than you may think. Specifically, according to the National Institutes of Health, “roughly 30% of the general population complains of sleep disruption and about 10% have symptoms of daytime impairment that’s consistent with the diagnosis of insomnia.” After you’ve bought the Serta mattress and have forgotten which number sheep you’ are on, what comes next? There are many different suggested tips for preventing insomnia from avoiding late-night snacks to CBD. Let’s talk about the signs of insomnia and prevention tips. Stay awake and read on!
What is Insomnia?
According to Mayo Clinic, insomnia is a “common sleep disorder that can make it hard to fall asleep, hard to stay asleep, or cause you to wake up too early and not be able to go back to sleep.” For some that struggle with insomnia, it can be at a time of a traumatic or stressful event and can last days or weeks. However, others can struggle with insomnia for months or chronically, especially if it is linked to another underlying health condition. With this lack of sleep, insomnia can cause irritability, anxiety, worries, etc.
Since everyone lives in different, hectic lives, there are many causes of chronic insomnia. Stress is a huge factor that we’ve mentioned before. This can be anything that causes you to overthink greatly and therefore keep your mind racing all night long preventing sleep. Another factor could be from your work or travel schedule. If you are constantly going to bed at different times due to flights or work shifts, then that can throw your body out of whack and prevent healthy sleeping habits. Additionally, chronic insomnia could be caused by medications for conditions that as a side effect can disrupt sleep. Or, if you struggle from a mental health disorder than that can have a ripple effect and disrupt sleep patterns as well. If you suffer from insomnia then it’s important to take a look at what’s going on in your life and what may need to be adjusted to get some shut-eye.
How to get some sleep?
There are some common ways suggested to get some sleep. The first being to cut back the use of alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco in the evening — taking these at night is a losing battle. Additionally, it is also recommended to avoid late-night meals. It is recommended to keep up with a healthy diet and exercise to help to regulate the body in general.
CBD + Insomnia
For those that suffer from insomnia due to external factors, CBD may be a solution. In fact, according to a statistics review at The Green Dragon CBD, “of the Americans who use CBD, the most common uses are for pain relief (64%), anxiety (49%), and insomnia (42%).” In 2019, a study was conducted on whether CBD could improve sleep and reduce anxiety. In the conclusion of the study, patients reported that their anxiety levels were lowered and they had a better night’s sleep.
There are many ways to take CBD and when it comes to CBD for insomnia, there are even specific products. CBD capsules now can include melatonin as well, so that those who are already using melatonin to combat insomnia can continue to build it in their system all at once. Others may prefer vaping, oil, or edibles over a pill or capsule. It is all about preference and what a consumer is most comfortable with.
Conclusion
Insomnia affects many people and although there is no one-size-fits-all cure, there are many steps that can be taken to help live a healthier life and therefore help to improve sleep patterns. Do you struggle with insomnia? If so, what helps you get a better night’s sleep?
