Genius Tricks for Sleeping Better

Tossing. Turning. Watching Chuck Norris fitness-apparatus commercials. No one likes insomnia. So we rounded up our favorite little tips for trying to get some quality shut-eye.

WARM YOUR FEET WITH SESAME OIL

The natural oil (not the toasted cooking kind) is known to relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep. So give your tootsies a quick massage, slip on some cozy socks and get in the mood.

DRINK A GLASS OF MILK--AND EAT A FEW ALMONDS

The two contain tryptophan and melatonin (natural snooze boosters), respectively. Opt for food with calming effects (not that half-eaten Hershey’s bar and leftover Thai takeout, which have adverse, stimulating effects).

TURN ON THE HUMIDIFIER

Got a snoring problem? Fire up the vaporizer. (Or make a garlic steam treatment on the stove.) The moistened air can curb seasonal allergies or ward off other congestion troubles that are causing you to mouth-breathe--and not get any real rest.

FIND OUT EXACTLY WHEN YOU SHOULD DOZE OFF

When it comes to hours of sleep, more does not always equal better. Work backward from the time you need to wake up, and then calculate your REM cycles with a bedtime generator. It’ll tell you when you should really fall asleep to reduce grogginess the next day.

TRY A TRICK FOR FALLING ASLEEP FAST

So, you want to start said REM cycles…right now? Calm your mind by imagining your childhood home. Walk in and out of each room, reminisce about the artwork and furniture. And voilà: You won’t even realize you conked out.

ATTEMPT A BREATHING EXERCISE

If childhood houses aren’t your cup of tea, get to know the “4-7-8” method. What you do: Exhale completely through your mouth; then close your mouth and inhale through your nose for a count of four. Hold your breath for seven counts and exhale again for eight counts. Repeat as needed. It’ll up your oxygen levels, slow your heart rate and signal your body that it’s time to hibernate.

source:purewow