updated March 7, 2025
If you live somewhere that observes Daylight Saving Time, you may notice a disruption in your sleep for a few days after we “spring forward” in March and when we “fall back” to standard time in November.
Like jet lag from travel, these time changes can interrupt our sleep schedule for a few days. And if you already have trouble sleeping, it’s even more of a problem.
Here’s a review of what sleep professionals recommend to help. But for persistent or severe problems, see your own doctor to get started.
This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.
This content is for your “information and inspiration”, and does not imply my endorsement or recommendation.
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What is Chronic Insomnia?
Most of us have trouble sleeping occasionally, but if you persistently have difficulty with sleep, you may have a medical condition associated with sleep disturbances. These include
- sleep apnea
- restless legs syndrome
- depression and/or anxiety
- post-traumatic stress disorder
Some people have true chronic insomnia, meaning persistent sleep difficulty not due to some other cause. There are various criteria to diagnose chronic insomnia but in general include
- difficulty falling or staying asleep
- at least 3 nights per week for at least 1-3 months
- with impairment of daytime function, such as fatigue/sleepiness, poor concentration, irritability, school or work dysfunction
How can you sleep better with chronic insomnia?
The first step for chronic or occasional insomnia is to identify and treat any underlying medical issues that cause poor sleep. In addition to the ones mentioned above these include
- painful conditions
- heartburn (gastroesophageal reflux)
- congestive heart failure
- lung diseases like asthma cause nighttime breathing difficulty
- menopausal night sweats
Sleep specialists recommend non-drug management of chronic insomnia and reserve sleep medications for more resistant cases.
Sleep meds were one of the 7 drugs that are overused in my previous post.
(Read more about Ernest Hemingway’s preserved Florida home at this post)
Hemingway’s study- chaos and creativity
Behaviors for better sleep
Experts recommend sleep hygiene , basically lifestyle changes, as the initial treatment. Some people have developed bad habits in regards to sleep that need to be unlearned and new behaviors put in place.
For optimal sleep, you should
- Engage in regular exercise- moderate intensity , tai chi , yoga and low-impact aerobic exercise
- Avoid evening large meals
- Limit caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
- Use the bedroom only to sleep and for sex
- Maintain a regular bedtime-awake schedule
- Avoid daytime naps
- Avoid distracting stimuli at bedtime-watching television, using electronic devices, talking on the phone
- Stay in bed only while sleep
Dim the lights for better sleep
The light from electronic devices- clocks, thermostats, televisions, monitors-can disturb your sleep even after you turn off your phone and tablets. This light can be blocked by stick on light blocking covers than can block out the majority of it.
Light from my clock made it hard for me to fall asleep before I discovered these products. With them I fall asleep easier, and can fall back asleep if I wake up.
Maintaining a regular schedule helps to set or reset your sleep/wake cycle. So go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning.
However, if you can’t sleep, rather than lie in bed awake, you should get up, do a non-stimulating activity, then return to bed when sleepy.
If you have persistent sleep loss, consider more intensive therapy by a professional.
Cognitive behavior therapy for insomnia , CBT-I, significantly improves chronic insomnia and daytime functioning and is recommended as first-line therapy.
CBT-I combines cognitive therapy with sleep restriction, relaxation training, and stimulus control.
Treatment typically requires 5-8 sessions conducted by a health professional trained in its use. Patients need to participate by keeping a sleep diary and writing down daily thoughts in a journal while continuing with the sleep hygiene practices mentioned above.
SleepPhones
Natural Sleep Aid Created By A Doctor. A family physician created SleepPhones to help patients fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer without resorting to drugs.(affiliate link)
SleepPhone
Manage stress, learn to relax
If you have occasional trouble sleeping due to stress, relaxation techniques can help you. Techniques include meditation, yoga, imagery, abdominal breathing and muscle relaxation techniques. These can reduce tension and anxious thoughts that inhibit sleep onset and maintenance.
5 Steps to Manage Stress and Strain
This post reflects on the need for coping mechanisms for life’s stressors, sharing five essential steps to manage stress and strain. These steps include maintaining a routine, seeking social support, focusing on the positive, staying active, and nurturing one’s inner self.
exploring the HEART of healthy sleep
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