Expert Sleep Tips
Independent sleep expert, Dr Neil Stanley, gives his advice to those who suffer with cramp at night and have trouble sleeping.
He says...
A disturbed night's sleep can lead to emotional and physical health problems, and can leave people unable to concentrate at work and even affect relationships with loved ones. The frustration and anxiety lack of sleep, or disturbed sleep, leads to can cause it to become even worse.
People often aren't aware that they could be suffering from a sleep condition that is easy to treat. Instead of worrying about the problem, it is important to trust your body's ability to sleep, making lifestyle changes or taking treatments where appropriate.
Sleep is important for good physical, mental and emotional health but it also helps us feel good and look good.
Here are my top 10 tips for ensuring you get the best night's sleep:
Dr Neil Stanley does not endorse this brand and is an independent expert
It is important to go to bed with a quiet mind and relaxed body
Your bedroom should be dark, quiet and cool
The bedroom should be strongly associated with sleep, thus if you are asleep you should be in your bed and if you're not asleep you shouldn't be, that means no TV, no computer and no work in the bedroom
Go to bed only when you are sleepy. This means listening to your body rather than going to bed because the programme on TV has finished, or because your partner wants to go to bed, etc.
If you haven't fallen asleep within about 30 minutes at the start of the night get up and only go back to bed again when you are sleepy (if you wake up in the middle of the night and don't fall asleep within 20 minutes or so then do the same)
Don't clock watch. If you know what time it is you have your eyes open which means that you are not trying to sleep
Try to have regular bed and wake up times
Don't worry about your sleep and don't 'try' to go to sleep.
The harder you 'try' to sleep the less likely you are to fall asleep
Try and spend at least 30 minutes winding down before bed, put the worries and cares of the day to one side and do something nice and relaxing.
Remember - 'You cannot find sleep, sleep must find you.'