Sleep (or lack thereof) is an ongoing topic of discussion. With many of us working longer hours and being faced with life’s pressure points—it’s no wonder some may feel like they’re not getting the rest they need. Not to mention other factors like unhealthy habits and biological factors are also at play.[i]
Globally renowned Sleep Podcast Guru and founder of ‘Sleep with Me’ Podcast, Drew Ackerman, is no stranger to challenges with sleep. Onya invited Drew to share some natural strategies we can start incorporating in our daily sleep routine.
We are generally creatures of habit, and so training your mind into getting ‘bed ready’ may be helpful. That’s why I recommend figuring out your smart formula for sleep, one element of which includes going to bed every night at the same time. A ritual helps support our daily sleep routine.
Journaling helps us gather and offload our thoughts – and also mark those things you are grateful for, which may help when it comes to relaxation and sleep.[ii] Another technique for those that need to unload the stresses of the day, is to write down a to-do list so it is off your mind until you wake in the morning. Not only does it help put your mind at ease, but it also acts as a helpful reminder of things to be done when you wake up.[iii]
Caffeine is a stimulant, meaning it triggers wakefulness, which can disrupt sleeping patterns.[iv] Tea, coffee, chocolate, cola all contain this energy rich ingredient – we should try to avoid consuming caffeine-rich foods and beverages at least four hours before bedtime, or for those who have adverse effects, try to avoid caffeine all together.[v]
Taking a hot bath or shower is a relaxing technique, which might help increase sleepiness at bedtime.[vi] What was once a night-time ritual for children is now encouraged amongst adults to help get to sleep.
Sleep Supplement.
For those struggling to sleep—there are herbal alternatives. Flordis ReDormin Forte is a herbal sleep supplement containing extracts of Valerian and Hops which has been shown to help restore sleep patterns over 2 weeks to get your sleep cycle back on track. [vii]
Bedtime Storytelling
Podcasts have become increasingly popular in helping people relax, unwind and keep their mind off stresses that might be keeping them up at night. ‘Sleep with Me’ podcast helps to put listeners to sleep through pointless tangents and monotone storytelling. This style of podcast narrative is effectively putting to sleep with this form of ‘adult’ storytelling. A new Aussie themed podcast may help even the fussiest sleepers drift off.
About Drew Ackerman
Drew Ackerman is a lifelong insomnia-sufferer and one of the world’s most prolific podcasters—who created the globally-renowned bedtime-storytelling podcast ‘Sleep with Me.’ Drew claimsto be the most boring sleep time stories aimed at adults, with over 3 million downloads per week. In the podcast, Drew tells rambling, drawn-out bedtime stories with just enough interest to keep you listening but not enough to keep your brain stimulated. The intentionally boring content, combined with his drawling, soporific voice, sends listeners quickly to sleep.
Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist talk
to your health professional.
[i] https://www.sleepfoundation.org/insomnia/what-causes-insomnia
[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12585811
[iii] https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2017-47677-001-
[iv] http://sleepeducation.org/news/2013/08/01/sleep-and-caffeine
[v] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322928.php
[vi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2578367
[vii] Fussel A, et al., Eur J Med Res. 2000;5:385-390.
