More than half of all Americans - and more women than men - have trouble sleeping at least a few times a week. Without a night of sound slumber, you may not focus as well, and you may have a harder time dealing with life's small bumps. And too little sleep on a regular basis (officially known as insomnia) can also lead to medical problems - an increased risk of depression, obesity, heart disease and diabetes - not to mention accidents because your reaction times are off.
What can you do if you have trouble sleeping? Here are a few great tips for sound sleeping from GH readers:
"I imagine that I'm redecorating my house room by room. It's the least stressful thing I can think of to keep my mind off any real problems. I rarely get more than two rooms done before I'm asleep." -Arlene LaPorta, Williamstown, NJ
Make sleep easier by making your bed more comfortable.
"I wear sponge earplugs, which make a faint whoosh sound. I concentrate on the sound of nothingness. Also, if it's cold, I visualize a heater inside me, warming me until I fall asleep." -Jolynn Wells, Tacoma, WA
Sleeping with a snorer? Try these tactics.
"I have a hard time quieting the thoughts in my head, so I need background noise. My husband and I drift off to sleep watching TV, then a timer switches the set to a soft music channel." -Janice White, Paragon, IN
Do you have a sleeping sickness?
"First I have a cup of milk (cold or hot), then I turn on an electric fan for white noise. The combo works like a charm." -Jennifer Savino, Joliet, IL
Try these bedtime snacks to help you sleep.
PLUS: Boost Your Energy with This 30-Minute At-Home Workout
Do you have trouble sleeping? What do you do to get some rest?
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
