Ok my fellow pain warriors, we all know one of the worst side effects of chronic pain is the dreaded…..insomnia. Our bodies are meant to rest, restore, refuel, and heal while we sleep. Well, if we get little to low quality sleep that isn’t happening therefore our bodies are going to continue to be in pain!
I thought I would share a list of things that help me atleast stop being completely restless when I can’t sleep. (Here I am writing this to you because I can’t sleep, go figure!)
Ok, here we go.
- Turn the Blue Light setting off atleast an hour before you go to bed. I have mine on a timer to go off around 9:00 p.m. I know you’re thinking, there is no way just that will help me sleep. I said the same thing. But one bad week I was so desperate to sleep I would try anything. I’m not sure if it has truly helped my sleep but it definitely makes my screen feel darker. That’s the goal, when our bodies sense bright light it thinks it’s time to be awake.
- Now that our Blue Light is turned off, I feel it acceptable to use my phone as a sleep tool. Scrolling through Pinterest is one of my favorite ways to make myself tired. My eyes always end up feeling heavy after doing this.
- Again, this tip comes from using my phone or tablet. Playing games that require very little thinking. Some of my favorites are “Find the hidden object” type games or “jigsaw puzzles”. These keep my eyes busy and quiets my mind. Makes me sleepy every time!
- Satin pillowcase. Not only do these amazing pillow cases help keep your hair and skin healthy, they also keep you from getting over heated. I find that the silky texture seems to stay cool rather than a cloth that can make you hot.
- Sleep masks. I don’t really like wearing these but have found them useful when my husband likes to keep the t.v. on all night.
- Focus on your breathing. I just recently starting using this technique. While you are breathing, say in your head everytime you inhale and exhale. By doing this you are solely thinking about your breathing and turning off any thoughts that might be stressful or keeping you awake.
- A small personal fan by your bedside. I don’t know what the deal is lately, it may be related to the Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I get overheated extremely easy! I bought a little mini fan to have blowing right on me. It clips right to my nightstand. It gives the perfect amount of air flow to keep me from getting overheated!
- Speaking of heat, drink anything warm. I don’t believe it has to be just things like Chamomile Tea. Personally, anything warming my body helps soothe and relax me. A hot bath helps as well.
- Yoga.If I still can’t get comfortable enough to sleep I will do a yoga program that is gentle and meant to be done before bed.
There you have it. Those are some things I have found to be helpful. Some nights I try ALL these things and still can’t sleep. I would love to hear other things you all have tried!
I’m going to be dropping the links for my favorite sleep mask, silk pillow case, and the personal fan I got. All on Amazon! I am posting these items as an Affiliate link and may receive compensation for them. Like I have said before, I will never post a product that I don’t believe in. I’m not here to make money. I’m here to help people who struggle like I do find some relief!
Sleep mask
satin pillow case
Mini Fan
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