Sleep is a queen. It doesn’t obey any directives. However, it is adherent to routine as it is a natural consequence of the circadian rhythm. So a disciplined routine is what helps most for a regular sleep schedule.
Alas, one can’t be always regular as life is full of stressful events which disturb the daily schedule and inadvertently the sleep schedule. Moreover, you might also find it difficult to sleep in a new environment. What to do then? You might have an important test or interview the following day and waking up early is a must.
The more you chase it, the more it runs away. It creates a runaway cycle of anxiety. The more you see the time, the more you think that you should be asleep by now. This raises your anxiety which is a deterrent to sleep. More anxiety leads to more sleepless hours which in turn lead to more anxiety and so on.
I have learned to experiment with the mind to learn how to trick it. I try to be reckless about the time I go to sleep if I realise I am having symptoms of insomnia. I aim to make my mind relaxed by watching funny and light stuff even though it involves exposing myself to the blue wavelength of light— Another deterrent to sleep. However, it works for me since I am not worried about the time of night and happy-go-lucky. This sounds easy in theory, but I haven’t still mastered this art. It’s as if the mind finds it natural to worry rather than relax.
I think medications should not be used to treat insomnia as they make you dependent and devoid of the necessary skills to trick your brain. They also do not let your sleep to be in your control as the dosage can affect the quality and quantity of sleep. They should be used only in an emergency. The idea is to experiment with different ideas that might not necessarily be what “sleep experts” say. You are awake and it’s midnight, might as well relax and let your mind-monkey wander and get tired naturally. It will eventually come home to sleep.
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