3 weeks ago

Can't sleep? Five doctor-approved habits to try before melatonin

Can't sleep? Five doctor-approved habits to try before melatonin
Can’t sleep? Five doctor-approved habits to try before taking melatonin · telegraphindia.com

Many people have trouble falling asleep at night.

Some people take a medicine called melatonin to help them sleep.

But doctors say there are five simple things to try first.

You can put a soft topper on your mattress to make it more comfy.

You should put away phones and tablets at least 30 minutes before bed.

The light from screens can trick your brain and stop it from getting sleepy.

Listening to soft music or nature sounds can help you relax.

Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day trains your body like a clock.

Your bedroom should be cool, dark, and quiet so you can rest well.

Try to use your bed only for sleeping, not for playing or working.

Small changes to your bedtime routine can make a big difference over time.

If you still cannot sleep well, or you snore loudly, you should talk to a doctor.

Key facts

Number of tips
5
Recommended screen-free time before bed
At least 30 minutes
Suggested pre-sleep activities
Reading, stretching, journaling, breathing and relaxation exercises
Ideal bedroom conditions
Cool, dark and quiet, with blackout curtains, earplugs, white noise and comfortable bedding
Expert 1
Subhashish Biswas, general practitioner at AM Medical Centre
Expert 2
Arup Halder, consultant pulmonologist and sleep physician at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI
Warning signs to see a doctor
Loud snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep, excessive daytime drowsiness

Quotes

Subhashish Biswas

General practitioner at AM Medical Centre

“Create a calming pre-sleep ritual, whether it’s soft music, light reading, or a few minutes of relaxation.”
telegraphindia.com
“Better spinal alignment and reduced discomfort may make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.”
telegraphindia.com

Sources

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