Those of us with anxiety disorders can attest to the fact that getting to sleep can be an ordeal and that if you get woke up you may as well stay up. Of course, you can resort to taking medication, but you do not want to have to do that every night. Even on those days when everything is going great, when you get into bed and close your eyes, all of a sudden, your brain starts going full steam with worries and concern that you did not even know were a problem. So, what can you do to get to sleep and stay asleep when you have an anxiety disorder?
Natural Supplements
Although there are many excellent medications that can help you get to sleep, they all have their side effects and can be addictive. Some can make you feel groggy the next day after you take it whether you get to sleep or not and others will get you to sleep, but only for an hour or two before you are up and running again. However, there are supplements that you can try that can actually help you get relaxed enough for at least six hours of sleep. Some of these include:
- Melatonin
- Vitamin B6
- Chamomile tea
- L-theanine
- Gaba butyric acid
- 5-HTP
- Kava
- Hops
- Passion flower
- Valerian root
- Lemon balm
Other Expert Tips
Besides taking a supplement, a study conducted by Harvard University suggests that you set a bedtime and stick to it every day—no matter what time you are supposed to get up in the morning. This will help your body and your mind know exactly when to start getting sleepy and therefore, you should not have to trick your mind into going to sleep. Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, large meals, and nicotine should be a no-brainer, but you would be surprised. Others also suggest that you get enough exercise, but do not work out close to bedtime. If you nap, make sure it is for less than an hour and before three in the afternoon. Many people also have a nighttime routine such as reading that will set the mood. However, if you read with an electronic device, make sure it is set on nighttime mode, which uses a warm colored light that will not interfere as much with melatonin production.
Online Help
Finally, if you are suffering with insomnia or have frequent issues with anxiety, you may want to speak to a professional. In fact, you can even do it right from your bed with the convenience of online therapy—there is no appointment needed. Consider trying it to help you get a good night’s sleep.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and we have been compensated through BetterHelp.com.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.
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