Have you noticed that with the arrival of an autoimmune disease, nighttime is a whole new experience? What is it about the day coming to a close that brings new and different symptoms? For me, restless leg syndrome can be a nighttime problem, and aches and pains which I don't experience during the daytime make their appearance.
What helps? I am sure that for each of us, there is a different set of nighttime rituals that help ease us into sleep. Here's some of my favorites:
- I don't even consider hopping into bed unless I'm drowsy.
- Simple yoga stretches help soothe some of the aches and pains.
- For me - a cool bedroom temperature is more comfortable than warm temps.
- I prefer nighties without elastic, bulky trim, buttons, or other hard objects; and those made of natural fibers such as cotton, which help wick away moisture when night sweats are a problem.
- Reading is calming and relaxing for me.
- A high carbohydrate bedtime snack such as breakfast cereal, while probably not great for my diet effort, seems to encourage sleep.
- If, after 30 minutes in bed, sleep is still elusive, I get up and do a quiet activity. When drowsiness returns, I give sleep another try.
What works for you? Share your ideas!
1 comment:
A good hot shower helps me when I am achy. I like to look at parenting magazines and read a good mystery involving ghosts or settings in the past. Oh....and a hug and kiss from my boys helps too!
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