In fact, the harder you try, the less likely it is that you’ll actually drift off. The effort you exert actually excites the nervous system and acts to prevent sleep.

Exercising at bedtime

Some people with insomnia think that exercise close to bedtime will wear them out so they can fall asleep faster and sleep better. Exercise may indeed tire the body, but exercise too close to bedtime is counterproductive because nighttime increase metabolism and brain activation at the exact time your brain is trying to slow down in preparation for sleep. So bedtime exercise may actually contribute to increased wakefulness instead of sleepiness.

Ever changing bedtimes

Part of the problem with people suffering from insomnia is that they no reliable bedtime. Going to bed whenever they feel like it only reinforces the lack of a regular schedule. If you go to bed at approximately the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, you condition your brain to expect sleep at the time, and such a regular schedule is conducive to better sleep. Going to bed and waking up willy-nilly any time you feel like it only makes getting into and marinating a good sleep schedule more difficult.

Self diagnose and medication

Treating your insomnia with something you heard about standing around the water cooler isn’t wise idea. Don’t mix herbal remedies with over the counter (OTC) sleep aids. Your doctor is the best qualified to diagnose your insomnia, discover what’s causing the problem, and prescribe a treatment protocol tailored to your particular situation that combines appropriate medication with sleep hygiene education, cognitive behavior therapy, and other helpful measures.
 

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