Do You Have Sleep Problems?

Many people who are stressed out find that having trouble sleeping is one of the fallouts of stress. Have you ever laid in bed, exhausted from the day, only to discover that your mind is racing and you can’t turn your worries off? Anxiety and stress can do that! When you were using drugs or drinking, you may have been able to self-medicate those problems away. Today, it’s time for something healthy and safe to help you improve your sleep habits.

Are Your Sleep Habits Poor?

Many people who wake up in the morning feeling sleepy or unrested have poor sleep habits. Do you stay up late, sleep too late, or feel tired throughout the day? Maybe some habits are worth looking into.

Signs you are having poor quality sleep:

• Waking up in the middle of the night multiple times
• Waking up exhausted
• Having nightmares that cause you to have trouble sleeping
• Mind racing and anxious in bed
• Getting less than 8 hours of sleep
• Staying up way too late

Getting Better Sleep

Getting enough rest helps us regulate our moods and create energy to store throughout the day. Many people have trouble with sleep, especially during times of stress. Here are some things to think about trying if you have trouble getting to sleep:

• Meditation/relaxation music or instruction. You can listen to relaxation music on headphones and let it lull you to sleep or buy a machine that plays sounds for 15 minutes before bed.
• Keep your devices out of your bed. It’s not as impossible as it sounds. LED lights and device screens actually can bother your REM sleep and cause your slumber to be interrupted.
• Use your bed for only bed activities. Move the television out of your bedroom if possible. When you go to your bedroom, it will help your mind click that it’s bedtime when your head hits the pillow.
• Go to bed and try to wake up at the same time every time. This helps your body set a schedule for slumber, and it will help your body encourage better sleep habits.
• Get exercise, which will release feel-good and calming hormones throughout the day. These hormones help decrease anxiety and make it easier to rest.
• Eat healthy foods and avoid caffeine in the afternoon, which can disrupt your rest hours after you have consumed it.
• Get help. If your mind is racing every night, and you can’t sleep, check in with a therapist to learn more about your anxiety and get evaluated for a mental health disorder.
• Speak up to your support network! You’re not alone. There is probably somebody in recovery that you know who has battled similar issues and has some guidance.

Sleep is an important part of how our bodies regulate stress and recharge for the day ahead. People who don’t get enough sleep can feel like they are in a “brain fog.”  If you have trouble with your sleeping patterns, ask for help. There are plenty of things you can try to “reset” your sleep schedule and learn to sleep more restlessly.

Getting Help for Addiction

If you or somebody you love is looking for a discreet, compassionate environment to get sober, Las Olas is here for you. Many people come to us to cleanse and detox their bodies and begin to heal from addiction. We help heal the body, mind, and spirit and set people on the course to recovery. Learn more about how we can help you reclaim your life by calling us at US (949) 279-1376 • MX (612) 153-5726.