I Can't Sleep!
By Ellen Corsi

How many times have we said this during our lifetime: "I can't sleep!" No matter how great of a sleeper you may be, there is always one night, somewhere along the line, where you just can't get your Zzzz's. Then, after one of these episodes, a tough day follows until you can again, get that great night's sleep.

Usually when you have trouble sleeping, something is on your mind. It can create anxiety and restlessness that you just can't shake and this leads to sleeplessness. It could be a big meeting the next day, financial worries, personal relationship problems or a number of other reasons that are keeping you awake at night. Your mind just keeps on churning thoughts around and it seems like nothing can stop it.

One major culprit of sleeplessness is caffeine. Most people don't really pay attention to how many caffeinated beverages they are drinking during the day and evening hours. If you are having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, check your caffeine level first!

Here are some of the average person's ritvals and remedies for when sleep eludes them:

1. Watch television until drowsy.

2. Read a book until eyes start to close.

3. Drink a warm glass of milk (or something stronger) before bedtime.

4. Cut out caffeine in the evening.

5. Listen to some soothing music.

6. Take a long, hot bath before bedtime.

7. Do some exercises to relax muscles and ease anxiety level.

8. Get up and stay up until become drowsy.

9. Work on a computer or a puzzle until sleepy.

10. Finish something that is scheduled for next day.

11. See your doctor.

When sleep eludes the average person, it's pretty easy to tell. You'll see a tired look, some irritability and the possibility of falling asleep during the work day. To get some additional perspective on this problem, the experts say:

1. Go to sleep and wake at the same time each day.

2. Avoid caffeine late in the day.

3. Watch your diet. Heavy meals or spicy food can cause insomnia.

4. Exercise regularly.

5. Create a relaxing bedtime routine.

6. Get out of bed if you're not sleeping.

7. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider.

Source: AmbienCR.com

If you are having trouble sleeping on a regular basis, it is worth searching this problem out to find the root cause. There's nothing worse than a bad night's sleep.

If you generally get a good night's sleep, remember these tips and hopefully they'll help you the next time you are lying in bed and finally yell, "I can't sleep!"

Then, let the rituals and remedies begin.