If you’ve been reading my blog recently, you might remember that I’ve been super stressed/anxious during the day and having trouble falling asleep at night. This is partly the result of feeling overwhelmed at work and partly the result of having a lot of fun and exciting things going on. I feel so exhausted, but every time my head hits the pillow I have a million thoughts running through my mind that make it impossible to fall asleep. Even when I do fall asleep, sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and won’t fall back asleep until much later!
Thankfully, I’ve learned some tips in the past week that have helped me tremendously and I wanted to share some of the things that have helped me fall – and stay – asleep at night.
One. Turn off your computer and put away your phone.
I have a nasty habit of taking my laptop in bed with me and playing on the computer until it’s time for bed. If I’m not on my computer, I’m constantly checking my phone for Twitter or Instagram updates or new emails. I noticed that checking my electronics before bed was doing the opposite of calming me down, so I did some research. Did you know the light from electronic devices disrupts your body’s circadian rhythm and stimulates your brain? Even when I turned off my phone and shut my eyes, I was still thinking about a blog post I was writing or an Instagram photo I had seen. Now I try to turn off my computer and phone at least 30 minutes before I plan to go to sleep!
Two. Read a book
Reading is the perfect way to reduce stress and unwind. I love reading a good book in bed and it never fails to help me fall asleep! I picked up the latest Nicholas Sparks novel, The Longest Ride, at Target the other day (I got it because the main character is a student at Wake Forest – where my boyfriend goes to school) and so far I really love it.
Three. Lavender scent
My grandmother actually taught me that the scent of lavender eases anxiety and insomnia. Every night she rubs Yardley lavender lotion onto her arms and hands before bed. She’s been doing this for years! I tried it for the first time last week and I love it – it’s such a calming scent (and it also reminds me of my Gramma).
Four. Keep a notepad beside your bed
As I said before, a lot of nights my head will hit the pillow and I immediately think of ten things I need to do in the morning, a blog post I need to write or inspiration for an outfit. I’ve started keeping a small notebook beside my bed so that when my mind starts to run I can write it down. I can’t tell you what a relief it is to get all of my thoughts on paper – this reassures me that I won’t forget anything and let’s my brain relax so I can concentrate on falling asleep.
Five. Try bedtime yoga!
This may sound like a weird tip, but I think out of everything I’ve tried it has helped me the most! You can do bedtime yoga in your pajamas, even in your bed, and it stretches you out, relaxes your muscles, slows your breathing and clears your mind. I particularly love this YouTube video, even though it can be a bit cheesy at times. There are a few times I’ve fallen asleep before the video even ends!
Although this wasn’t a typical fashion post, I hope that it still helps someone out. I know how terrible it is to only get a few hours of sleep per night and wake up feeling drained and in need of five cups of coffee to make it through the day. What are your tips for falling asleep at night?
Great tips, I really like the bedtime yoga idea!
Lauren,
http://www.atouchofsoutherngrace.com/
This is a great post! I have the exact same issue when I go to bed and these are great tips that I will definitely be trying out!
Hunter
http://www.preponabudget.com
These are such great tips! I have had troubles sleeping lately too- so I'll definitely have to try these out 🙂
Thanks Cait!
Meggie
meggiejuly.blogspot.com
I am such an insomniac, so I feel your pain. I tend to read a book or play candy crush. 🙂
These were great tip! I often has this trouble as I work night shift. Thanks for the info!
agirlandhersparkles.blogspot.com
I've definitely done the notebook! It really is a great idea especially after a stressful day. Something that always works for me is I silently say my prayers to myself and by the time I get to the end of my list, I'm usually asleep 🙂
great tips
LOVE that mask!
And there is always something to be said about going to bed feeling pretty, I sleep better when I am in cute, comfy, put together pjs : )
They tell us this all the time in pharm school!! These are really good points. Sometimes I can't turn my mind off and it makes for really long days… Wearing cute jammies is always my favorite!!
I spray a lavender mist on my pillows before laying down and it truly does "ease stress" and calm the nerves! Your Gramma is a smart little lady 🙂
Thanks for these great tips! I use a lavender lotion, when I am super stressed! I just might start keeping a note pad besides my bed, to write down all the things swirling around in my head. =D
everydayjerseygirl.blogspot.com
Great tips! I need to try this because I'm in the BAD habit of falling asleep watching Netflix on my laptop. For a while, I would at least close the computer right before I went to sleep, but now I've been waking up in the morning and my laptop is still open and I'm 5 episodes further along than I remember. It's been a REALLY tough habit to break, but I guess there's no time like the present to start!
I struggle falling and staying asleep too! Trying out this yoga tonight to see if it will do the trick. While reading, I always light my candle on my nightstand so my room smells great and it relaxes me, too!
I've had my heart set on that J Crew sleep shirt for the longest! I have the hardest time falling asleep too so I'll definitely give your suggestions a try.
xoxo,
Chelsea & The City
I haven't tried bedtime yoga but I'll have to! 🙂
I enjoy reading your blog. I have been having trouble sleeping as well, will try these starting tonight.. 🙂
This is exactly what I needed to read, I have been so stressed/anxious with everything going on right now and I find myself so exhausted, but the moment my head hits the pillow I am WIDE awake. Love these tips!
ironically i read this two nights ago at like 1 in the morning when i couldn't sleep!!
i noticed however that i am horrible about checking instagram right before bed so i made sure not to last night and fell right to sleep!!
thanks for the little tips!
thegoldhattedlover.blogspot.com
I agree with the phone/laptop/book thing. That helps me a lot. I also love my eye mask, its so much easier to fall asleep in complete darkness! I need to try the lavender trick 🙂
-AJ
FitTravelerAJ.com
Love the pjs! I having the same issue with sleep lately. I'm going to have to try yoga.
Sounds like you are a busy bee. Let's chat soon.