Alternative Ways To Combat Adult Insomnia

Image Credit

 

Sleep comes naturally to children; they seem to have no problem getting some shut-eye irrespective of the circumstances, whether the dog is barking or in a moving car. However, sleep is elusive for many American adults, with the Cleveland Clinic reporting that insomnia symptoms occur in about 33% to 50% of the adult population. It is no secret that poor sleep habits can cause many problems with productivity, health, and happiness, so you must do all you can to fall asleep at night as quickly as possible. Below are some unconventional things you can do to fall asleep faster.

 

1. Listen to white noise

 

Music is the go-to for many people seeking to relax their minds before bedtime. However, if environmental noise is the major cause of your insomnia, you may want to drown out all sounds using white noise. White noise is simply ambient noise that plays in the background to mask all other natural sounds in an environment. Your mind readily eases into it and relaxes into sleep, so it is the best solution for you if you hear snoring, traffic sounds, or your neighbors making loud noises during nighttime. However, check if white noise is ideal for you since several individuals become more sensitive to normal sounds due to prolonged use. Nevertheless, it is worth trying because it works for many and produces better sounds than the disturbing ones you may hear at night.

 

2. Regular sex

 

The average American couple have sex about once a week - and even this can be a challenge after a hard day of dealing with children, work, commuting, and many other responsibilities. However, sex has many health benefits, including better sleep. So a quick romp in the sheets now and then might be all you need to fall asleep faster. Quick sleep after sex happens because the body release hormones like oxytocin and prolactin after orgasm. Prolactin controls feelings of relaxation and sleepiness, and oxytocin is the feel-good hormone famed for lowering stress. As such, it is no surprise that various studies suggest that these hormonal changes after sex can induce drowsiness and make it easier to fall asleep.

 

3. Try staying awake

 

It sounds counterintuitive to try staying awake when trying to sleep quickly. However, this technique, known as the paradoxical intention, is surprisingly effective. If you have insomnia, trying to sleep can heighten performance anxiety and make it even harder to get some shut-eye. However, actively trying not to sleep tricks your brain into falling asleep since it will process the negative instruction poorly and interpret it as a signal to rest.

 

4. Delta-8

 

You may have heard about Delta-8 recently since local dispensaries, and renowned wellness influencers have aggressively promoted this cannabis alternative over the last few years. Delta-8 is a chemical found in the cannabis plant in trace amounts. According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta-8 effectively binds with cannabinoid receptors in your nervous system that regulate sleep by calming down essential processes like mental activity, breathing, and heart rate. Therefore, taking products such as Delta 8 gummies can help you experience a relaxing and drowsy effect that enables you to fall asleep faster after a busy day of activities.