“The minute anyone’s getting anxious I say, ‘You must eat and you must sleep.’ They’re the two vital elements for a healthy life.” – Francesca Annis

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When I was in treatment, I think it was my first time here” there was one group session on the subject about getting enough rest and sleep. We went through all the do’s and don’ts on how to get a proper night’s rest.

There were many things that fall into both do’s and don’ts.

1. Turn off the television. Make your bedroom so that when you put yourself into bed it signals your body it is time to sleep,
2. Turn off the computer, cell phone, According to SCLHealth.org tells why:

Blue light is harmful to your eyes.

The blue light emitted by your cell phone screen restrains the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle (aka circadian rhythm). This makes it even more difficult to fall asleep and wake up the next day. The circadian rhythm seems to be especially sensitive to blue light since it has a short wavelength. Studies also show that exposure to blue light can cause damage to your retinas. 

Also:

Blue light is harmful to your eyes.

The blue light emitted by your cell phone screen restrains the production of melatonin, the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle (aka circadian rhythm). This makes it even more difficult to fall asleep and wake up the next day. The circadian rhythm seems to be especially sensitive to blue light since it has a short wavelength. Studies also show that exposure to blue light can cause damage to your retinas. 

3. It was also said to turn our digital alarm clocks backwards so that you cannot see the time. I have found this true, for when I cannot get to sleep I am constantly looking at the time.

4. When you cannot fall asleep get out of bed and find something that is soothing, something like a cup of herbal tea, read a book, or some type of craft. Some have found that there are some natural supplements to help induce sleep, our body needs melatonin for sleep. If you are not in favor of supplements, you can try to eat a sandwich of tuna fish.

5. If you are still not able to get a decent night’s rest, it may be time to speak with your doctor. For me at this present time I need a pain killer along with a sleeping pill. Also, I am able to handle my pain when I have had a good night’s rest and sleep.

Now everyone is different when it comes to the number of hours they need of rest. My best friend finds he can function with only six hours of rest. For me I find I need at least ten hours of rest.

So dear reader, rest and sleep are essential for your mental health and even pain management. I hope that you find something that will help you achieve a proper night’s rest and sleep!

What is your routine on how you achieve a proper night’s rest?