More Safe and Effective Tips to Help You Fall Asleep Faster

By Better Health Research Team • Oct 28th, 2009 • Category: Health E-Hint

According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 30 percent of the American population suffers from disturbed sleep patterns. This is the reason why more than 56 million prescriptions were dispensed in 2008 for drugs to help induce sleep!

To help fall asleep naturally, Lisa Shives, director of Northshore Sleep Medicine, suggests these tips:

Try listening to classical music or an audiobook prior to bedtime.
When reading in bed, use a small reading light instead of overhead lighting that may be too bright.
Avoid checking your email or playing video games prior to bedtime. The exposure to artificial light may keep you awake longer.

Engage in a few yoga exercises or other light stretching. A short period of meditation may help, as well.