Self-Care & Seasonal Depression
October 11, 2024
If the time change affects your ability to fall asleep and stay asleep, you’re far from alone. Many people have trouble sleeping after the clocks fall back and for various other reasons, including insomnia. If you can’t sleep no matter how tired you feel, these tips can help you get your well-deserved and much-needed rest.
The glow of screens can be mesmerizing, but it might be sabotaging your sleep. Blue light emitted from devices like phones and tablets interferes with melatonin production, the hormone that regulates sleep. This affects your sleep, which may be even harder to come by as it is if you have insomnia or find that the time change is affecting your sleep.
Try to disconnect at least an hour before bedtime. This simple change can create a calmer environment conducive to rest. Instead of scrolling through social media or binge-watching shows, consider swapping screen time for soothing activities.
Late-night snacks can sabotage your sleep. When you eat or drink too close to bedtime, your body has to work harder while you’re trying to rest. This can lead to discomfort and make it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Heavy meals stimulate digestion, which is not ideal when you’re aiming for a peaceful night. Instead of reaching for that midnight snack, consider having dinner a few hours before bed.
Drinking excessive fluids right before you go to bed can result in multiple trips to the bathroom during the night. Aim for light hydration earlier in the evening instead.
Reading or meditating before bed can transform your nightly routine if you can’t fall asleep easily. Both activities create a calming atmosphere, helping to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.
When you read, choose something light and enjoyable. Delve into fiction or poetry that transports you away from daily stresses. This distraction allows your mind to relax gradually.
Meditation offers another path. Focusing on your breath or employing guided imagery calms racing thoughts. Just a few minutes of mindfulness can reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
Chiropractic adjustments can play a major role in improving your quality of sleep night in and night out. When your spine is misaligned, it may lead to discomfort and tension that disrupts restful sleep. By correcting these misalignments, chiropractors help relieve stress and minimize the burden on your nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep.
The release of pent-up tension through chiropractic care can ease muscle tightness and promote relaxation. This allows for a smoother transition into deeper stages of sleep. Regular adjustments can enhance overall body function. A well-aligned spine supports better circulation and reduces pain levels, allowing you to drift off more easily at night.
If you’re having trouble sleeping and can’t seem to stay asleep, you may want to consider the benefits of chiropractic care. Schedule your appointment at Livingston County Chiropractic in Pontiac, IL, and we’ll do our best to help you overcome insomnia and the effects of the upcoming time change.