March 24, 2024
Category: Education and 2 others
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A good night's sleep is extremely important for human health and spirit. Sleeping well will help you have a comfortable spirit and help your brain function clearly. People with sleep disorders such as difficulty sleeping, insomnia, etc. will affect many other parts of the body and brain. Here are 20 simple ways to fall asleep as quickly as possible.
1. Lower the room temperature
Your body temperature will change when you fall asleep: Cool down when lying down and warm up when you stand up. Room temperature that is too high can make it difficult to sleep. Therefore, adjust the room temperature to a cool level between 60 – 67°F (15.6 – 19.4°C). Because each person will like a different temperature, you should choose a room temperature that suits your body.
Hot baths or showers can also help speed up changes in body temperature. After a hot bath, your body cools down, which can send a signal to your brain that you want to go to sleep. Many studies show that taking a hot bath before going to bed can improve sleep efficiency and quality.
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The content is professional consultation with Doctors of the Department of Internal Medicine and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.
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2. Use the 4-7-8 breathing method
This is a method researched and developed on simple airways but has the effect of reducing stress and helping to relax before going to bed.
This method is based on controlled breathing techniques from yoga to bring about relaxation of the nervous system. Below are the steps to perform the 4-7-8 breathing method:
When performing this method, you need to lie down on the bed and move your tongue to the back of your upper teeth.
Breathe forcefully through your mouth as if you are hyperventilating.
Continue breathing gently through your nose. During that process, mentally count from 1 to 4.
Maintain your breath and count to 7.
Repeat the above process again and exhale through your mouth for 8 seconds.
Continuously do the above 3 times to complete 4 breaths.
How to fall asleep as quickly as possible with the 4-7-8 breathing method.
3. Schedule bedtime
Many people find that setting a sleep schedule helps them fall asleep more easily. Each person's body has its own biological clock. This clock signals the body to feel alert during the day but sleepy at night.
You will have a regular biological clock if you have a lifestyle of living, resting and waking up at the same time every day. Once your body adapts to this schedule, it will be easier for you to fall asleep and wake up at the same time every day.
Every adult should get enough sleep from 7 to 9 hours every night to ensure health. Furthermore, you should give yourself 30 - 45 minutes to relax in the evening before going to bed.
4. Absorb light both day and night
Light can affect your body clock, which regulates sleep and alertness. Limiting light exposure can lead to disruption of circadian rhythms, making it difficult to sleep and leading to lack of alertness.
During the day, when the body is exposed to sunlight, it will help the body stay alert. Both natural daylight and artificial light have an effect on your alertness.
At night, darkness can make you feel sleepy due to the production of the hormone melatonin. In fact, the body secretes very little melatonin during the day.
5. Practice yoga and meditation
Stress can make it difficult to fall asleep. Therefore, meditation and yoga are tools to help calm the mind, relax the body and improve sleep quality.
Yoga movements will help you practice flexible breathing and body movements, bringing mental tranquility and relieving stress. This method can also have a positive impact on sleep parameters such as quality, efficiency and sleep duration.
Like yoga, maintaining a meditation habit will help you sleep better.
Secret to falling asleep quickly with meditation method.
6. Avoid looking at the clock
Many people wake up at night and they worry that this could be a sign of illness. However, not being able to fall back asleep can disrupt your restful sleep. People who wake up in the middle of the night tend to check the clock and obsess about their inability to get back to sleep.
Worse yet, frequently waking up without being able to fall back asleep can cause your body to develop a habit of waking up in the middle of the night every night. If possible, it is best to install the clock outside your room. If you need an alarm, you can set the clock and avoid watching it when you wake up in the middle of the night.
7. Avoid napping during the day
Due to poor sleep at night, many people with insomnia often have the habit of falling asleep during the day. Although short naps are associated with improved alertness, they can negatively impact nighttime sleep.
8. Food can negatively impact sleep quality
Consuming food before bed can affect sleep quality. High-carb meals can make it harder for you to sleep well. Many studies show that a high-carb diet can help you fall asleep faster, but it's not a good night's sleep. Instead, foods rich in fat can promote a deeper, more restful sleep.
If you still want to eat a high-carb meal for dinner, you should eat at least 4 hours before going to bed to give your body enough time to digest.
9. Listen to relaxing music
Music can significantly improve sleep quality, and can even be used to improve chronic sleep disorders . A study of 24 young adults demonstrated that music helps promote deeper sleep.
10. Exercise during the day
Regular exercise is not only beneficial for your health, but it also helps increase the length and quality of sleep by promoting serotonin production in the brain and reducing levels of cortisol , the stress hormone. However, it is important that you maintain a moderate-intensity exercise routine. Excessive, intense exercise can lead to insomnia.
Choosing exercise time is also very important. You should exercise a lot in the morning and limit exercise at the end of the day. Some activities for practice include:
Jogging.
Walk.
Cycling.
Tennis.
11. Choose a comfortable mattress
Mattress comfort and bedding can have an impact on the depth and quality of sleep. You should choose a mattress with medium firmness to have better sleep quality and prevent sleep disorders.
The quality of the pillow is also important. It has the ability to determine the comfort and curve of the neck. A small study determined that orthopedic pillows are better for sleep quality than feather or foam pillows.
Finally, the fabric of the clothes you wear to bed can affect your sleep. It's best to choose comfortable, stretchy and absorbent clothes.
12. Stay away from electronic devices before going to bed
One of the causes of insomnia is exposure to electronic devices. Watching TV, playing video games, using cell phones and social media can make it difficult to fall asleep. The reason is that the blue light emitted by these devices will prevent the production of melatonin.
Therefore, you should disconnect all electronic devices such as: Computer, cell phone,... before going to bed.
13. Use essential oils
Essential oils have the effect of relaxing, relieving stress, etc., which will help improve sleep quality and duration. Popular scents that have a positive impact on sleep include:
Lavender.
Brocade roses.
Mint.
Combine lemon and orange essence.
14. Write before bed
Many people find it difficult to sleep when thoughts keep running around in their minds. This can cause anxiety and stress, create negative emotions and disturb sleep. Therefore, psychologists recommend writing a diary and focusing on positive thoughts to calm your mind. Thanks to this, you will fall asleep more easily.
15. Limit caffeine intake
Caffeine helps fight fatigue and stimulates alertness. It can be found in foods and drinks such as: Chocolate, coffee, soft drinks, energy drinks, etc. This stimulant can negatively affect the quality and duration of food. amount of sleep.
Although the effects of caffeine vary from person to person, you should limit your caffeine consumption at least 6 hours before bed. Instead, you should drink a soothing tea like chamomile tea to promote sleep and relaxation.
Limiting your caffeine intake helps you fall asleep as quickly as possible.
16. Adjust your sleeping position
Good sleep quality can depend on your sleeping position. Normally, there are three main sleeping positions: lying on your stomach, lying on your side, and lying on your back.
Many people believe that sleeping on your back will help you have better sleep quality. However, research has shown that this is not the best sleeping position. Because it can lead to airway obstruction, sleep apnea and snoring.
17. Read books, magazines,...
Reading anything before going to bed such as: Reading books, magazines,... can help you sleep easier. Especially for children, reading before bed can promote longer sleep. However, it's important to understand the difference between reading e-books and traditional paper books.
E-books emit blue light which reduces melatonin secretion. Low melatonin levels make it difficult to fall asleep and make you feel tired the next day. Therefore, you should read paper books to relax and improve your sleep.
18. Try to stay awake
Many people believe that when you try to force yourself to go to sleep, it will help you fall asleep more easily. However, psychological experts say this is a wrong view. Instead, you should only go to bed when you feel really sleepy.
19. Visualize things that make you happy
Instead of lying in bed worrying and thinking about stressful things, visualize positive things. In one study on insomnia, participants were able to fall asleep faster after they were instructed to use visual distraction.
This technique helped them occupy their minds with good thoughts instead of being busy with worries during the time before sleep.
20. Use sleep-enhancing supplements
Magnesium
Magnesium helps activate neurotransmitters responsible for sleep. Doses up to 500 milligrams (mg) per day have been shown to improve sleep.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
The amino acid 5-HTP enhances the production of serotonin, which helps regulate sleep. You can use doses up to 600 mg per day, taken once daily or divided into several doses to be effective in treating insomnia.
Melatonin
Melatonin can be produced naturally by the body. However, this substance can also be supplemented through pills to regulate sleep. Using a dose of 0.5–5mg, taken 2 hours before bedtime can improve sleep quality.
L – theanine
This is an amino acid that helps improve sleep quality and is very safe. You may be given a dose of 400mg per day.
GABA (axit gamma-aminobutyric)
Gamma-aminobutyric acid is a compound produced to inhibit certain transmitters and may help the central nervous system relax.
In short, insomnia can make you feel tired the next morning, affecting your health and concentration. Not only is difficulty falling asleep frustrating, it can also affect your mental and physical health. You can apply one or more of the above measures to improve your sleep quality.
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Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, being startled in the middle of the night, feeling tired when waking up... all have a great impact on long-term health. SCHEDULE AN EXAMINATION WITH VINMEC'S TEAM OF EXPERTS to receive advice to improve your sleep quality.