It has become quite a common routine for you.
You feel a bit sleepy in the evening, you put on your pajamas, pull back the covers, lie down...
and then wait.
This waiting is almost inevitable to you now, because it has been happening for many nights in a row.
Once you finally do fall asleep, you know that it is not going to last.
Something will jolt you to attention in the middle of the night, and it will be all downhill from there.
Insomnia has unfortunately become your nighttime routine...
well, rut, anyway.
The question remains what can you personally do to help yourself? There are so many different advertisements out there for things that can claim to help you overcome this sleeping disorder.
But before you invest lots of money into something that is not foolproof, have you considered that you are the root of the problem? Perhaps you are causing your own sleeping problems, and you do not even consciously realize it.
Now that you have identified and recognized the problem (and that it might be partially you), you have conquered the first step.
Next it is important to determine whether or not this is a chronic problem for you, or if insomnia is something that only happens during certain times in your life.
This will allow you too see if your sleeping problems are a result of major life changes, stress or a physical problem that plagues you regularly.
In determining the severity of your sleeping problems, you are able to determine if you may need the extra help of a physician.
But, either way, a persistent problem, including and sometimes especially insomnia, should always be checked out by our doctor.
He or she may have some valuable advice and techniques for how to combat frequent waking during the night.
But, it is important to consider your own behaviors of daily life because they may be contributing to or sometimes even causing the trouble sleeping.
For example, if you are a constant worry wart, it is a good idea to make lists to ensure that you accomplish all the important tasks of the day.
Another behavior to adapt is to do some yoga, stretching or breathing exercises before bed so that you feel relaxed enough to sleep.
Another behavior that may need attention is your overall diet and nutrition habits.
The digestion process takes a long time, so eating close to bed can surely account for your insomnia.
A full belly makes you uncomfortable, which will have you tossing and turning for hours.
Also, consuming caffeinated beverages all day long will keep you awake all night.
The mind will continue to race because it has been given a false signal by the caffeine to keep on going.
So, of course, the closer to bedtime you have soda or coffee, the longer your insomnia will persist through the night.
Recognition, interpretation, relaxation and nutrition are the four key steps to a healthy night of rest.
After conquering all of these, you will be insomnia free for the rest of your days...
I mean nights.