Your hyperactive brain

Photo by insomia part 2
Sleep problems are primarily psychological in nature
Sometimes we are caught off guard when we hit the sack, and our brain shifts into high-alert mode. A common cause is that our days are too jam-packed and we have no alone time to process our thoughts, so our minds essentially make up for it at night. This pre-bed routine will help your mind and body to relax.

Unplug and hour before bed - That includes television, computer, cell phone,, and any other glow in the dark tools. Research shows that the brain misreads artificial light as daylight, so it doesn't release melatonin., a sleep-regulating chemical, which is normally triggered by darkness.

Take a warm shower or bath - Your body temperature goes down when you get out, which makes you feel sleepy, that's because it mimics what occurs deep inside the body at night, when internal temperature drops to its lowest.

Meditate or pray for 10 minutes - Several studies show that it can help reduce anxiety, release negative thinking, and improve sleep. Sit quietly in a comfortable position, and repeat a phrase such as "one" on every exhalation of breath.

Go to sleep on a light stomach - Your digestion after a heavy meal keeps you up while your body works to burn up the calories it consumed. A side benefit is that you'll lose/keep your weight off as any calories consumed at night goes straight under you skin as fat.

How it works - Though you may not get 8 hours of sleep at night, the quality of your sleep will improve because you'll feel much more energised during the day. Just be sure to perform the pre-bed routine when you get home at night before you go to bed. Also forgo coffee, caffeinated drinks, and sugar at least 3 -4 hours before bedtime. Alcohol has also be shown to interfere with restful sleep.

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