If you have a hard time falling asleep or staying asleep, you are not alone. Statistics show that between 50 and 70 million adults in the United States suffer from a sleep disorder. Thankfully, there are solutions to help you get the sleep you need. Sleep medications, following a nighttime routine, and maintaining good daily habits can have you feeling well-rested and ready to take on your day, every day.
Daily Habits
Maintaining habits during the day can make a big difference in how well you sleep at night. Eating healthy, balanced meals and getting enough exercise are ways to take care of your body and contribute to your overall well-being, which studies show can translate into getting better sleep.
Nighttime Routine
Turn Off Electronics
Experts recommend limiting blue light exposure, which comes from electronic sources such as phones, tablets, televisions, and computers, for 2-3 hours prior to bedtime. Any light source can disrupt our bodies' natural circadian rhythm, but blue light has been proven to do so most drastically. While grabbing your phone for a social media scroll, watching one more episode on television, or replying to a quick email is tempting, the light from your devices can signal to your brain to stay awake and have a lasting impact on falling asleep. If avoiding screen time at night isn't possible for you, getting a pair of blue light glasses to filter the harmful rays can be helpful.
Stay On Schedule
Our bodies crave routine, and staying on schedule can help your body to know when it's time to rest. By following a nightly routine to wind down and get ready for bed, your brain will be able to more easily adjust and "turn off" on time, resulting in you being able to fall asleep more quickly. This routine probably already includes common tasks such as showering, washing your face, or brushing your teeth, but there are other tricks that may be beneficial to add to your bedtime routine. Listening to calming music, journaling, and meditating are all great habits that can help signal to your body that a good night's sleep is coming soon.
Medications
Over-the-Counter
There are many options for over-the-counter medications that can aid in getting you a good night's sleep. Melatonin, Benadryl, and Unisom are commonly used to combat sleep struggles and can be found at most local retailers. Keep in mind that these and other over-the-counter medications have been shown to become less effective with repetitive use, so a prescription drug may be necessary for a more long-term sleep solution.
Prescription
If getting enough restful sleep is a common problem for you, a visit to your doctor may be your best option. There are prescription sleep aids available that could be the answer you've been searching for. Restoril, Lunesta, and Zolpidem are among the most popular prescription medications that may help you get your best sleep. Medications can be expensive, but you can use rxless to search for prescription coupons and discounts at a pharmacy in your area, with savings up to 88% off.
Conclusion
Sleep struggles are a common problem for many people. Getting enough sleep at night can boost your mood, increase productivity, and result in fewer health problems. If you are struggling to get the shut-eye you need, implementing a nighttime routine and daily healthy habits may be a solution to your sleep woes. If you are still struggling, talk to your doctor about medications available to help. Remember, rxless is a free service that offers coupons and discounts up to 88% off your prescriptions. Better sleep is possible, resulting in a healthier and happier you!
