Doctor explains why you should ‘never sleep in the nude’
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Indeed, telling yourself to stay awake may be a good way to fall asleep faster. Research has shown that this paradoxical intention could help people facing issues with their sleep.
Many people will sometimes find it hard to fall asleep or wake up in the night.
For most, sleep problems tend to sort themselves out within about a month, according to the NHS.
For people who often find themselves stressed out about trying to sleep, a method called paradoxical intention may work well.
Paradoxical intention is a technique focused on the idea that performance anxiety can make falling asleep difficult for some people.
For people who struggle with sleep, especially those with insomnia, trying to sleep can increase performance anxiety.
Paradoxical intention is thought to reduce performance anxiety about falling asleep by asking people to get into bed and stay awake.
Research has shown people who practice paradoxical intention fall asleep faster than those who do not.
How we sleep and how much sleep we need is different for all of us and changes as we get older.
Nonetheless, if you regularly have problems sleeping, you may be experiencing insomnia.
People with insomnia will regularly find it hard to go to sleep, can wake up several times during the night and lie awake at night.
They might also find it difficult to concentrate during the day because they are tired, or wake up early and find they cannot go back to sleep.
If you have insomnia for less than three months, it is called short-term insomnia.
Insomnia that lasts three months or longer is called long-term insomnia.
“Some people are naturally lighter sleepers or take longer to drop off, while some life circumstances might make it more likely for your sleep to be interrupted, like stressful events or having a new baby,” the NHS states.
If poor sleep is affecting your daily life or causing you distress, you can talk to your GP.
As well as trying the paradoxical intention technique, there are several other methods to get a better night’s sleep.
The NHS recommends that you keep regular sleep hours, create a dark, quiet and cool environment and exercise.
The health body adds that some people find it useful to write down their worries and concerns, and set aside time before bed to make a list for the next day, if these stresses keep you awake.
Caffeine and alcohol can stop you falling asleep and prevent good quality sleep. Therefore, it is recommended that people cut down on alcohol and avoid caffeine close to bedtime.
Everyone needs different amounts of sleep. On average adults need seven to nine hours, while children need nine to 13 hours. Toddlers and babies need 12 to 17 hours of sleep, every day.
“You probably do not get enough sleep if you’re constantly tired during the day,” states the NHS website.
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