When it comes to adulthood, getting an enough amount of sleep is almost impossible. The demands of our job and social lives can be overwhelming to the point that sleeping has become a least priority. On top of that, the constant distraction we get from Facebook, Youtube and other social media apps is also affecting our sleep patterns every night.
As a result, we find ourselves getting trapped on a cycle of poor sleeping habits. If you belong to the unlucky ones who are restless and sleepy during the day but have a hard time drowsing off at night, you are not alone. Sleep deprivation is a real thing and should not be taken for granted.
To quote Coldplay, "When you feel so tired but you can't sleep. Stuck in reverse.."
Makes sense right? If you want to break free from this cycle, check out these simple tricks to help yourself zone out easily at night:
1. Try this yoga method of inhaling through your left nostril
How to do it (according to sleep therapist Peter Smith):
"Lie on your left side, resting a finger on your right nostril to close it. Start slow, deep breathing in the left nostril."
2. Connect with your muscles by squeezing and relaxing them
How to do it (according to anxiety expert Charles Linden):
"Lying on your back, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose and, at the same time, squeeze your toes tightly as if you are trying to curl them under your foot, then release the squeeze."
"On another slow breath, curl your foot up toward your knee, then release. Breathe again, contract your calf muscles, then your thighs, buttocks, belly, chest, arms, and so on until you have moved all the way up your body, squeezing and releasing the muscles one by one."
3. Close your eyes and go wild by using your imagination
How to do it (according to Sammy Margo, author of The Good Sleep Guide):
"Imagine yourself in a situation where you feel content - a tropical paradise, sailing on calm waters, walking in flower fields.
"As you explore your 'happy place' imagine smelling flowers, feeling grass or sand under your feet and hearing water lap against the boat. You should soon feel relaxed and drift off."