It's 2AM...I'm still awake

​We’ve all had those nights. We go to the late show at the theater and can’t come home to sleep. We’ve gone out with friends, walking in the door well after midnight but we’re up until at least three in the morning. Or, we’re cramming for that test. We have a sick relative in the hospital. The baby has a cold and you’re constantly checking on her. The list is endless but the result is not. You’re not getting to sleep and you need it just like anyone else. Try these helpful tips to fall into slumber at a much earlier hour.
 
Keep electronics out bed. This is a tough one, even for myself. But think about it. The light coming from your phone and tablet wakes you up. If you enjoy reading before bed, opt for a physical magazine or a print book. (Yes, they are still around!) Or, if you enjoy drawing or another craft, bring that to bed. I have brought my knitting to bed several times and gotten to bed at a much earlier hour.
 
Journal before bed. What’s worrying you? Get it all out in writing before you fall into slumber so your subconscious doesn’t relay its perception of it in your dreams. You don’t want to have nightmares of the school PTA or work dreams. Journaling lets you free your mind and get those worries out on the page. This way, you can go to bed worry-free and wake up refreshed. 
 
Skip any caffeine after noon. Those afternoon meetings are going to be a true struggle without your coffee or pop, but you have to do it. Drinking coffee after noon has the tendency to interrupt your sleep at night. And, don’t forget caffeine in food. There’s caffeine in such products as ice cream, yogurt and chocolate. There’s also caffeine in some varieties of gum.
 
Don’t sleep with pets. In addition, if you want quality sleep, it’s best to leave Fido outside in the hallway. Dogs and cats are generally noisy and take up a lot of room in the bed. If they scratch you during the night, it wakes you up and disturbs you. For everyone involved, Fido has his bed and Fido’s owners have their bed, which can not be accessed by Fido after a certain hour.
 
Scent your room with lavender. Finally, try scenting your room with this herbal aroma. Studies have shown that it’s going to lower your blood pressure and relax your nerves. Those that sniffed the lavender before falling into a peaceful slumber were more refreshed when they awoke in the morning. It helps a person breath more deeply, clearing their minds as they get ready for bedtime.
 
 So if you can’t sleep, try putting one or a few of these techniques into place. They’re sure to help you awaken more refreshed in the morning. It’s so easy to catch some z’s when you’re clearing your mind after such a busy day. Get comfy before you’re about to have a wonderful night’s sleep!