There’s nothing more frustrating, huh? Hopefully it’s just a phase your body is going through. Are you particularly stressed at work or school or in your personal life right now? Perhaps once these stresses have sorted themselves out, you’ll get back to your regular body rhythm. If, however, you’re finding it difficult to manage your stress levels, you need to start adding things into your lifestyle that will help to calm down your nervous system. Think hobbies or yoga.
Speaking of yoga, many health and sleep experts recommend this pre-bed yogic pose to help you relax and prepare the body for sleep: Lie on your back, your butt to the wall, legs straight up. Close eyes and meditate for as long as possible.
There are many other rituals recommended for encouraging sleep - including warm lavender-spiked baths, cups of chamomile tea or hot cocoa, or a stretch session. If you do these regularly at night, it will become a way of signalling to your body that it’s time to wind down for bed.
Some things you shouldn’t do: work late, do your bills, catch up on emails, consume stimulating food and drink (spicy food, alcohol, coffee). You should also make sure that your bedroom is free of distractions, such as television and anything work-related - it should ideally be solely for the purposes of your beauty sleep. If your sleep issues continue, despite following the above suggestions, see your GP who may refer you on for more serious treatment.
