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Sleep the natural way

Zahida Abbas
19/12/2006

THE festive season is on us again and like every year, this season brings with it hard work in terms of cooking, cleaning and with it, it can bring a lack of sleep.

This could be because you are feeling anxious, overworked, stressed out etc.

We should always aim for at least 6-8 hours sleep but a recent survey has shown that more women than men do not get enough sleep and at times some women are functioning on less than five-hours of sleep a day.

Often, some find the answer in sleeping tablets to aid their sleep.

If you are going through an extreme period of stress or pain, then your GP may subscribe to you some sleeping tablets.

However, they should be taken with care, as the body takes just two weeks to adjust to them and then they are not as effective. Then there is the problem with dependence, so it is much healthier and easier to try some of the alternatives listed below.

Use the bedroom to sleep - not as an extension of your office or entertainment centre. Keep the TV switched off.

Relax before going to bed. A milky drink and listening to music will help.

Have a hot shower/bath and keep the room cool. Often a temperature change can induce sleep.

Don't do anything which may raise anxiety levels just before bed.

Try to got to bed at the same time everyday for a week, and wake up at the same time every day for a week. Once you get used to the routine, sleep will become a natural experience.

If natural light is a problem, then black out blinds can be bought from most house ware stores to blot out the light.

Decorate the bedroom in sleep inducing colours like pastel shades.

Burn aromatherapy oil in your room before bed, lavender oil is very good to induce sleep.

So these are alternative ways of helping you to relax before going to bed. Try some or a combination of the above tips to experiment what works for you. If readers have any ideas that they would like to share with us on this subject, please feel free to write to me at Asian News, Observer Buildings, Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1PH or email on asiannews@gmwn.co.uk