Seven Things To Do When Grief Prevents You From Sleeping
7 Things to Do When Grief Prevents You From Sleeping
by Camille Johnson
camille@bereaver.com
Sometimes when we most need rest, that’s when it’s hardest to fall asleep. This is especially true when you’ve lost a loved one. If you’ve recently lost a loved one and you’re struggling with sleep due to grief, New Mexico Men’s Wellness outlines some things you can do to encourage your body and mind to sleep.
- Do some exercising
Exercise is an important part of self-care, not only because it promotes physical fitness, but also because it can promote feelings of well-being in regular practice. Exercising can take your mind off the pain of a loss and is a natural way to combat stress. This can improve sleep duration and quality. Sleep.com suggests practicing cardio during the day to sleep deeper. This is a soothing practice and can help improve your mood, whether at work or home.
- Try a new mattress
Mattresses wear out over the years as we use them every night. Joint pain or discomfort can arise as the mattress loses the support that it once offered. If you’re experiencing pain during or after sleep, you might want to purchase a new mattress. Look at mattresses that are the right size and suit your needs.
- Eat an early dinner
Eating a big meal late in the evening can disrupt a person’s natural sleep cycle. This is because the body will ramp up its natural metabolism to digest food that you’ve just eaten. If you’re used to eating meals later in the day, try to eat dinner around 5–6pm. If you need a light snack later in the night, try a handful of sleep-inducing almonds or a bowl of cherries.
- Mind your electronics
Sleepy Bliss mentions that the blue light from electronic devices can mimic natural daylight and trick your body into thinking it should be more alert by preventing it from producing melatonin. They suggest lowering the brightness, switching your devices to night mode, and enjoying relaxing, predictable content before bed.
- Have caffeine before 2pm
It takes a fair amount of time for your body to completely eliminate caffeine from the bloodstream. Caffeine can help you be productive through the workday, but it can take a toll on sleep. If caffeine is something you rely on daily to help power you through, be sure to stop taking caffeine after 2pm.
- Use a sleep sensor
Sleep sensors have been developed to track environmental factors such as light, sound, and temperature, which can affect your sleep. Combining this information with your personal sleep stats can help to optimize your sleep routine. There are a variety of types of sleep sensors available. Some are wearable, while others lie next to you or under your mattress. Explore your options to find one right for your needs.
- Talk with a therapist
Studies have shown that the emotional complications that occur after a loved one passes away can result in profound sleep disturbances. Visiting with a therapist to work through prolonged feelings of sadness or depression is an effective tool that can help you cope and possibly sleep better.
After the loss of a spouse or loved one, Healthgrade points out that many people report changes in health. These include problems with insomnia, stomach pains, and a variety of other conditions related to the stress of their experience. Sleeping well can help you with these symptoms. Focus on improving your sleep routine and sleep hygiene. It may take time for your sleep to improve if you are dealing with grief, so be patient, but these tips will ultimately serve you well.
New Mexico Men’s Wellness hosts a variety of gatherings centered around men’s issues, providing a safe and supportive space for men to discuss and connect over the joys and struggles of modern manhood. Reach out today for more info!
