There is nothing more frustrating than a lack of sleep or not being able to get to sleep and it starts to have an effect on the body, skin and general state of mind. I go through phases of bad sleep cycles myself so I know the effects it can have. The reasons that people struggle to sleep can vary from hormonal imbalance, certain medication, general stress or just plain insomnia, here's a few things to try to help combat the bad cycle of getting no sleep.
Create the right routine:
Most people find baths relaxing and in an ideal world we would all have an extra hour every night to have a bath, unwind and drift off but in the real world when we are all so busy that just isn't always possible but its worth trying to get into some sort of routine to let the body know its nearly sleep time.
Here's what I do; I try not to look at my phone or computer at least 30 minutes before bedtime, I like to spend around 5-10 minutes doing my evening skincare routine, I then have a warm drink before actually going to bed and always apply the Elemis Quiet Mind Temple Balm and Hand Cream once I'm actually in bed. If I have more time or I am going through a spell of struggling to get to sleep I try and make as much time as I can to have baths on an evening as I do find it really helps and its worth it in the long run to start to get back into a good pattern.
Write it down!:
All the thoughts and ideas and things you need to remember magically pop into your head as soon as it hits the pillow! So frustrating, so I find its best to write it down. Even though its not good to use your phone before bed I do use the notes section on my phone or you could keep an actually notepad by the bed to write things down, it clears your mind and then you can switch off after.
Distract the mind:
The old myth of counting sheep actually has some truth in it and if you distract the mind from the fact you cant sleep it will drift off.
I don't actually count sheep but I learnt a technique from the "Headspace" meditation app, once your in bed and comfortable, take some really deep breaths, then go over your day.
Only briefly and not going into too much detail but maybe around 10-15 points in your day, even just "got up, had breakfast, drove to work, walked the dog" etc. and don't focus in too much on the activities.
Once you've done this you then mentally work your way through the body starting at the head and focus in on each body part, the head, the face, the neck, the back...... until you reach your feet. The whole time taking deep breaths and relaxing.
By the time you've done this you will have completely forgotten about the fact you cant sleep and I often find I don't make it to the end before I'm asleep or feel really drowsy once I've finished.
Make your bedroom a calm place:
Make sure you enjoy the room you sleep in as it needs to be a calm place. Even if there's a basket of washing in the room and you haven't had time to put it away just move it out of the room whilst your sleeping. And obviously make sure your pillows are right for you and your mattress is suiting your needs.
Use aromatherapy:
Some people are sceptical of the use of aromatherapy oils but is a form of "therapy" and works on the body and mind to create amazing results. You want to make sure your using calms scents like lavender and chamomile to de stress the mind.
The Elemis De Stress Massage Oil is great to apply to the arms and around the shoulders before bed so you can really take in the beautiful aroma of pure essential oils of Rosewood, Melissa, Marjoram, Geranium, Rosemary, Lavender and Chamomile. Its bliss and my Mom swears by using this before bedtime!
Hope some of these help you drift off into the land of nod.....
