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Rest Easy

© Donna Dunn

Sometimes, sleep just doesn't come easy. And often, that's just the time when a peaceful night's rest would do us the most good.

In North America for example, just when some of the more sensible mammals have settled down for their long winter's nap, human beings are embarking on their most hectic time of year. We're racing to parties and shopping malls, in a frenzy of seasonal shopping and socializing.

At the same time, our regular commitments usually haven't lessened. Our families and our jobs still require our usual time, attention and care. Every waking moment is accounted for, routines are abandoned. And at the end of a very long day, we may find that even our sleep is disrupted.

If life were fair, no one would ever have insomnia. But life isn't, and most of us have endured insomnia at one time or another. Some folks even have to somehow cope with sleeplessness on a regular, ongoing basis.

The majority of us, however, are relatively lucky that way. Our bouts with insomnia are infrequent, and can be quickly forgotten. Even so, insomnia isn't pleasant. And as you gear up for the hectic days ahead, you may want to do some pre-planning, and hopefully avoid some sleepless nights.

Even if your usual routines have to be abandoned during the pre-Christmas rush, maybe you can still take advantage of some of the tips and tricks that have worked for lots of people:

Caffeine This stimulant is found in coffee, tea and chocolate, and should be avoided near bedtime. Since I started drinking decaf a few years ago, I've found I've become more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. On the other hand, some people have a cup of coffee just before they go to bed, and sleep is elusive if they vary from their routine. It depends on the individual, so you may have to do a little trial-and-error experimentation to figure out what agrees with you and what doesn't.

Exercise Regular exercise is good, but exercise right before bedtime may keep you awake. Exercise revs you up, and you may find it more difficult to fall asleep. (My husband says it doesn't work that way for him so again there may always be exceptions.)

Alcohol and nicotine Nicotine is a stimulant, so its purpose is to perk you up, and although alcohol is a depressant, experts say your quality of sleep may suffer. Your routine plays a huge role here as well, so a nightcap may help, or it may actually hinder your efforts to fall asleep.

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