Have you ever found yourself restless and awake when you’re supposed to be asleep? If this happens often, then you are more than likely experiencing insomnia. Insomnia is persistent problems of falling and staying asleep, and if you experience this now, then you know it is not fun! In most cases, insomnia can be related to anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and certain medications. Learning these 4 insane tips to beat insomnia may just do the trick for you!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission. Please see the full disclosure policy for more info.

Having a mental illness is one thing, but being sleep deprived along with it can be hell. Honestly, being sleep-deprived is horrible all on its own. Studies have shown that one in three adults aren’t getting the proper amount of rest and I would definitely be one of them. Lack of sleep can cause various physical and mental implications such as irritability, impaired cognitive function, and extreme fatigue.

If you suffer from anxiety and depression, sleep is something you’d want to take full advantage of any time you can get it. Insomnia can cause and worsen anxious and depressive symptoms – So do you see why it’s important to get a good night’s rest?

1. Put your phone down

When it is time to wind down and fall asleep, cell phone usage should be totally out of the picture! I say this because using your cell phone right before bed will only keep your brain engaged and entertained – psychologically that is.

Give yourself a break. Social media will be there when you wake up. Your friends will be there when you wake up. Most people pull out their phones whenever they cannot sleep but that is the very thing that will keep you awake even longer.

2. Use a weighted blanket

Weighted blankets work in a way that’s similar to an OT technique called deep touch pressure therapy (DTP). Pressure on the body can increase the release of serotonin in the brain, which is also known as the “happy” chemical. It is what creates a sense of calm and well-being.

Mosaic Weighted Blankets are one of the most recommended weighted blankets for insomnia! What’s awesome about these blankets is that not only do they help with insomnia, they help with ADHD, anxiety, and even depression.

Here are some benefits of weighted blankets:

• Managing emotions
• Coping with feelings of anger
• Settling down after outbursts or over excitement
• Dealing with stress
• Winding down at night

3. Try sleep sounds

Sleep sounds are so relaxing and soothing for when you’re wanting to really calm down and fall into a nice deep sleep. My favorite is listening to rain and thunder(without music) because I find it also really helpful for falling asleep. I’m so grateful for the creators of these videos because they make them super long for like up to 12 hours. In other words, once you turn it on, you won’t need to wake up to play it again. Genius!

If you have amazon prime, there are a few videos that are free on there. The ‘black screen’ videos are the best because it keeps your room dark! If you don’t have amazon on your tv, you can simply just go to Youtube on your tv and play it from there. Check out the video below.

4. Use essential oils

Did you know that essential oils were plant extracts? They’re made by steaming or pressing various parts of a plant (flowers, bark, leaves, or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce fragrance.

Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefit. And believe it or not, aromatherapy really helps with falling asleep. All you need is 3-5 drops in a diffuser, and you will be on your way to a night of deep sleep. When it comes to essential oils, Lavender and Cedarwood are two of the best oils to use for better sleep, at least in my opinion.

Lavender: Many people find the lavender scent relaxing. It’s often used to help relieve stress and anxiety and promote good sleep.

Cedarwood: This oil is known to create a relaxing, calming, and comforting atmosphere when diffused to support a relaxing nighttime routine.

No more sleepless nights

Just one sleepless night can leave us moody and irritable. And after several sleepless nights, our brains will eventually fog making it hard to concentrate and make decisions. At this point, the mental effects are much more serious and can sometimes be dangerous.

It’s really important to get the proper amount of sleep our bodies need and if you can help it, why not give it a try?

I really hope you enjoyed this post and found my tips helpful! Be sure to reach out at info@dasiapollard.com! Always here to help!