If you’re one of the many people around the world who suffer from insomnia or other sleep-related conditions, the endless cycle of tiredness and stress can be a heavy burden. There are, however, a number of ways in which you can adjust your lifestyle in order to improve your chances of nodding off naturally. Here are some of the approaches you can take to start your journey towards a great night’s rest.

When you’re struggling with insomnia, it can be tempting to make the most of any sleep you can get - so hitting the snooze button in the morning is always extremely appealing. However, it’s best to try sticking to a specific time to get up and a specific time to go to bed, aiming for eight hours every night. It may make you feel exhausted to begin with, but your body will get used to the rhythm over time and this process may jumpstart a healthier, more natural cycle.

Some conditions that affect a person's sleeping pattern can be significantly improved through the use of medical marijuana. For medical marijuana in Oklahoma, California, Alaska or any of the other 30 states in which this treatment is legal, all you need to do is to get an official card online granting permission. While the THC content in some strains of marijuana can help with pain relief, making sleep more comfortable, CBD - another active ingredient - promotes relaxation. With your state authority’s permission, this exciting development in the world of medicine can revolutionize your sleeping pattern. 

Perhaps you’re not going to sleep because you’re just not tired enough! If you don’t expend much energy in the day, your mind and your muscles may be overactive at the time you’re planning to go to bed. Fresh air and exercise will help to burn some of that energy - plus, this approach will cause your body to release endorphins. These are hormones that fight stress and help you to relax, preventing your worries from keeping you up at night.

Stress is one of the most significant factors of insomnia, so it’s important that you find a way to handle your worries. Try to quietly meditate for around ten minutes per day. It doesn’t have to be a religious or spiritual experience - simply find a peaceful environment, focus on your breathing and try to clear your mind of worries. You can also make lists of problems that need to be solved or tasks that need undertaking. It’s easy to blow things out of proportion in your mind, and seeing your responsibilities as a finite number on a piece of paper can help you to gain a little perspective and start to make a plan. Finally, try to talk through your problems with a good friend or a therapist. Something as simple as giving voice to your worries will help you deal with them.

Sometimes, your insomnia can be caused by something as simple as indigestion. Eating too late can negatively affect your digestive system, disturbing your sleeping pattern. Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the amount of REM a person achieves, causing them to feel less well-rested. While many people find that a drink helps them to drop off faster, it can actually negatively impact the quality of that sleep.