Free and Essential Natural Sleep Aids

It is best to turn lights out no later than 11pm, preferably 10pm. It is no good just being in bed by that time as if you are anything like me there is always 'that tempting novel'. Or you may even have a TV in your room.

So it is lights out AND TV off! An hour of sleep before midnight is worth two after midnight.

I know it's an old adage but it's true.Most natural sleep aids are old.

Ensure your bedroom is neither too hot or too cold. It is difficult to sleep with cold feet, and very easy to fall asleep with cosy feet. For this reason I just adore bedsocks. I also prefer an old fashioned hot water bottle to an electric blanket.

So, warm feet are great natural sleep aids!

And I'm sure you know to change your mattress at least every ten years!

Avoid heavy meals in the evening. Keep caffeine intake to a minimum. Do not have any caffeinated beverages from 1pm onwards.

If you are drinking caffeine in afternoon and evenings this could be the main reason you are not sleeping. If I have coffee after midday it takes me ages to fall asleep that evening.

Hot milk or camomile tea are wonderful natural sleep aids.

Deep breathing is great stress reliever. It is one of nature's great natural sleep aids. Shallow breathing automatically makes you tense. Take slow deep breaths(through your nose) and any stress or anxiety should automatically fade.

A warm bath before bed with a few drops of lavender oil in it is bliss and a great sleep inducer. Or try putting a few drops of lavender or neroli oil on your pillow.

Avoid negative TV programmes or scary books before bed. It is certainly not a good idea to watch the news just before sleep. Try and stick to purely positive imput at least an hour before bed. And then watch your sleep, and general mood, improve.

A very powerful pre-sleep technique is to review your day, in reverse, just before sleep. This literally unwinds the day and any stresses that may have built up. I love this technique. It really works for me if I have a problem getting to sleep. I have rarely made it 'beyond the afternoon'.

And I know this may sound quaint and old-fashioned but it really is powerful to 'count your blessings' before sleep and give thanks. This gives a very effect to your sleep. And giving thanks actually creates more good things.

Stick to a healthy diet. Exercise well. Drink plenty of water.

Above all do not worry whenever you cannot sleep. It happens to everyone from time to time. You'd be amazed how much rest you get just lying there.

As soon as you decide to just enjoy the luxury of being in bed without worrying you will probably be asleep in no time. Remember Xmas Eve when you tried to get to sleep before Santa came? Almost impossible!

The free easy meditation technique on this site is a wonderful addition to your natural sleep aids.

Apart from practicing it once or twice a day it is also useful if you cannot fall asleep. Just sit up in bed and meditate for five minutes. You will probably be asleep in no time.

I hope you've enjoyed reading about these natural sleep aids. And as you can see from my navbar there are lots more free tips on womens-natural-health.

Wishing you sweet dreams.

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