How to deal with insomnia

How to deal with insomnia

Lack of sleep affects every aspect of your life, from your performance at work to your relationships with family members. Sometimes it seems as if the harder you try to fall asleep, the more difficult it is to achieve your goal. Gerald B. Rich, MD, PC, the founder of Pacific Sleep Program, along with doctors Radhika Breaden, Gregory Clark and Andrea Matsumura, are here to share a few tips for Astoria Sleep Apnearesidents who suffer from insomnia.

Create the perfect environment

Bright lights, noise, and rooms that are either too hot or too cold can interfere with your ability to fall asleep or remain asleep. Although some people claim that they can sleep anywhere, most of us benefit from sleeping in a dark, quiet room. It's hard to sleep if you aren't comfortable. Replace worn mattresses and wear your softest pajamas or clothing to bed.

Skip the caffeine

Since caffeine is a stimulant, it's not surprising that it interferes with your ability to fall asleep or sleep deeply. The effects of caffeine can last for hours, which means that the cup of coffee you drank at 4 p.m. may make it hard to fall asleep at 10 p.m. Drink coffee, tea, colas and other beverages containing caffeine early in the day. Switch to herbal tea or other non-caffeinated drinks in the afternoon or evening.

Establish a routine

You may be able to eliminate insomnia by sticking to the same sleep routine every day of the week. Resist the urge to sleep in on Saturday, as varying sleep schedules can confuse your body. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Exercise helps reduce stress and tension and can help you sleep better. Although exercise can be helpful, don't work out several hours before you plan to go to bed, as exercise can initially make you feel more energetic.

Call the experts in Astoria

If nothing you try relieves your insomnia, make an appointment with a sleep disorders doctor. These physicians specialize in a variety of sleep problems and can help you get more rest.

Is insomnia controlling your life? Call Astoria doctors Gerald B. Rich, MD, PC, and his colleagues Drs. Radhika Breaden, Gregory Clark and Andrea Matsumura, at (503) 325-3126 today. A better night's sleep awaits you!

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