How to cope with not being able to sleep
There's no need to live with the burden of disrupted sleep. Change your lifestyle if you feel it's interfering with your sleep, or talk to your doctor about ways to better treat or possibly investigate underlying conditions.
And practice good sleep hygiene:
Wake up at the same time each day.
Avoid electronic devices (which emit light and stimulate the brain) at least two hours before bed.
Sleep in a quiet, dark, cool space.
Get regular exercise (but not within an hour of bedtime).
If you are already practicing healthy sleep behaviors but still have trouble sleeping, consider cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-i). CBT-i is a proven way to treat insomnia through relaxation techniques, talk therapy, and adjustment of the amount of time you spend in bed. It works with your body's natural controllers of sleep to reset the brain to achieve healthier sleep.
The good news: you can boost sleep quality and regain that sunny morning feeling. "When you sleep better," says Dr. Bertisch, "you're more likely to see improvements in your day-to-day function, concentration, energy levels, and quality of life."
