As university students we are all faced with stress and anxiety. Sometimes this stress keeps us from getting the sleep we need to be productive. Here are some tips aimed at combating insomnia, in order to keep you at your best:

1)      Find a way to relax and calm your body before going to bed. This may include listening to soft audio, having a warm bath, deep breathing, or meditation.

2)      Avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol. These substances cause your body to become stimulated, making it harder for your body to relax and fall asleep.

3)      Add more exercise and activity to your day. Make sure the physical activity is completed a couple of hours before bedtime.  This way your body is able to settle down before you try to get to sleep.

4)      Implement a strict sleep schedule. Don’t deviate from this schedule on weekends or days off work. By having a sleep schedule you will train your body when to go to sleep, and when to be awake.

5)      Move your alarm clock out of sight. As you watch the minutes go by, your stress is going to further arouse your body. This will make it even harder to fall asleep.

6)      Only use your bed to sleep. This will allow your body to realize that the bed is only for sleeping not for watching TV or using your mind in other ways.

7)      Don’t nap. If you nap during the day your less likely to be tired at night and therefore more likely to continue struggling with insomnia.

8)      Avoiding stimulating activities such as watching TV and reading directly before bed. Stimulating activities wake up your mind, therefore, making it harder to fall asleep.

9)      If all else fails see a doctor. It’s possible that a sleep disorder or another problem that requires medical attention is keeping you up at night.

You could also try writing a blog post on insomnia because I’m starting to get really drowsy.

Good luck and Good night!