The Occult

Suffering from Insomnia And Sleep Disorders has a drastic influence on an individuals overall health and life. Lack of sleep leads to fatigue, low mood and weakens the body’s immune system. Sleep seems to organize memories, as well as helping you to recover memories. It’s in sleep that the body does most of the repair and growth making it essential for health.

During darkness increased Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland and in the retinas of your eyes. This hormone helps to trigger sleepiness and naturally lowers the body’s temperature. Exposure to light triggers the release of serotonin and ceases melatonin production. Our body temperature increases thus making you feel more awake.

A reduction in serotonin levels can trigger mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression as well as sleep problems. Sleep can also be affected negatively by exterior sources. Lack of sunlight during winter periods can adversely affect your sleep, mood and energy levels. Individuals that experience depression and insomnia in seasons when sunlight is reduced are said to have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Exposure to sunlight can help in maintaining a consistent sleep and wake cycle. Getting enough natural sunlight can be difficult in winter, but artificial light is a helpful substitute. This is a simple solution in how to beat insomnia and regulate your sleep pattern. It’s important to expose yourself to light as soon as you wake and throughout the day, this will improve your mood, energy and alertness.

It is best to be in bed earlier and to wake up earlier in the morning. By doing this you will benefit from more natural light exposure. It is recommended to dim lighting an hour or so before you sleep to increase your melatonin levels, to help prepare your body for sleep. Furthermore, try to spend time winding down before sleep, since sleep comes much more easily when we’re relaxed.

A bedroom that is completely dark during sleep will make it easier to fall and stay asleep, so ensure that you make it as dark as possible. A set of thick lined curtains will do. You could also line your existing curtains to make them thicker. A cheaper option would be to wear an eye mask, but make sure it’s comfortable to wear and that it’s kept clean.

During sleep the body relaxes and cools just slightly. So what has temperature got to do with sleep? Well have you ever found that during hot summer nights it is even more difficult to sleep?

When a woman goes through her period her body rises in temperature which can often affect sleep. The temperature of the human body rises in the morning and thus helps us stay awake. The opposite happens at night when the body actually drops in temperature.

A hot bath an hour or so before bedtime can be very effective at inducing sleep. Although it increases your body temperature and energy levels, the quick drop in temperature can accelerate the drift into sleep. Be aware that you should not have a hot bath just before going to bed, as your body will need an hour or so to cool down.

Wear comfortable clothing to bed. In addition, keep your room at a comfortable temperature throughout the night. During summer this can be difficult, so I suggest that you wear lighter clothing, use a thinner duvet, and keep your windows open.