Sleep

I've always taken sleep for granted. Now in my 40s, I can count on one hand the number of good nights' sleep I've had in the past month.

Countless nights, I find myself awake at 2am, my mind spinning with trivial thoughts and unrealistic scenarios.

I miss the times when I could sleep until noon. Nowadays, I'm fortunate if I sleep beyond 5am.

We often realize the significance of quality sleep only when it becomes unattainable.

Our sleep impacts various aspects, including hormones, metabolism, and cortisol levels.

Attempting to maintain a healthy lifestyle feels like being a rat on a wheel, as I tick off all the boxes yet constantly encounter obstacles.

So, where can a solution be found?

Magnesium, melatonin, and valerian root are some natural remedies for sleep. I use a combination of all three.

I also practice cognitive shuffling by choosing a neutral word like "sleep" or "calm" and thinking of as many words as possible that begin with the same letter. When I can't think of any more, I move on to the next letter, and continue this process.

Concentrating on words helps divert our minds from concerns, encouraging relaxation.

An alternative method is to change your sleeping position by placing your pillow at the foot of the bed. It may seem odd, but it is effective for some reason. As an added benefit, if your partner snores, it reduces the disruptive noise.

My quality of sleep hasn't been completely restored, but I do get more than 5 hours of sleep each night.

If you're facing difficulties, consider trying these suggestions.