Since I’ve hit 30, I’ve noticed that I am having more and more trouble falling asleep. I believe that has to do, in part, with stress. I always have a lot on my mind, and even though I’m tired — or at least my body is — my mind is racing with a million different thoughts. Just telling myself to relax doesn’t work. I have found that there are a few products and  techniques that  help me sleep better when I’m stressed.
How to Sleep When Stressed
1. Take a Hot Bath — When I’ve had a particularly rough day, I plan in advance for a hot bubble bath before bed. The hot water relaxes my muscles and I usually throw in one of those bath bombs with aromatherapy to help clear my mind. I’ve found that lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus work well for easing stress. Normally, this is enough to make me tired enough to fall asleep right after I’m finished.
2. Eye Mask – You know those eye masks that “affluent” people usually wear in movies? Well, they really work! And they’re super cheap to buy. The mask blocks out all light which has been proven to shut down your brain faster.
3. Turn off the TV – I used to be notorious for keeping the TV on in my bedroom to fall asleep. For years I insisted that having it on was the only way I could fall asleep. Then one day I turned the TV off before bed. I admit, that night was restless, but I kept turning it off every night after. Now, that’s the only way I can sleep through the night without waking.
4. Buy a good mattress – Good sleep starts with a good mattress. The smallest mattress anyone should have (including children) is a double mattress. Your body needs space when it turns at night– a mattress that is too tiny can disrupt sleep. In addition to getting a good size mattress, you’ll want one with extra support and padding.
5. Buy good pillows – Never underestimate the importance of a good pillow! It may take awhile to find the perfect set of pillows, but when you do, it will change how you sleep forever. I know that I prefer a combination of 75% Goose Feather/25% Goose Down for the most restful sleep. Even on the most stressful days, a good pillow can help you fall asleep fast.
6. Melatonin –Â Sometimes I know way in advance that I’m going to have a hard time falling asleep. For those nights, I take an all-natural Melatonin a few hours before it’s time for bed. During the last hour I take my hot bath and drink a cup of herbal tea. When it’s time to sleep, I turn the the lights and TV off and go to bed with my eye mask on. This combo works wonders for my mind and body.
