Beat the insomnia monster – try these tips for better sleep

With the monsoons come power cuts, and even though the weather seems to be a bit kinder than the harsh summers, the warm sultry nights can be quite annoying. Keeping the windows open is one good option, but with mosquitoes adopting your home as their own, an open window can be more of a bane than a boon.

Recently the Sleep Council, London, suggested methods to get a good night's sleep during warm nights. Here are a few things you can do to help you sleep better:

• Keeping the windows open during the evenings is the best way to cool the room. To avoid mosquito bites, use a repellent cream . Be sure to test it on your skin for any allergies before you use it.
• Keep your curtains drawn during the day. This will help reduce the heat within the room, and keep it cool during the nights.
• Use thin cotton sheets instead of a blanket. Avoid using synthetic bed sheets, as it will only add to the warmth.
• Wear light cotton nightwear as it will help absorb excess perspiration.
• Take a bath with cold or room temperature water just before you go to bed.
• Drink some cold water in the evenings, and keep a bottle of water near your bed.
• Avoid having heavy meals, caffeine or alcohol in the evenings. This causes dehydration and can make you feel hot because of an overactive digestive system.
• You could try keeping a tray of ice and water below a table fan. When the fan runs, it will pick up cool air from the ice tray and reduce the temperature in the room.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of insomnia.

Finally, staying healthy and active during the day will help you get a good night's sleep. Try incorporating a few changes-- walk for about fifteen minutes or take the stairs instead of the elevator. A bit of exercise can go a long way in ensuring you get enough rest later in the day.

With inputs from ANI

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