5 ways to cope with insomnia

Can’t get no sleep? We’ve all been there. Insomnia is a common by-product of nocturnal (mis)behaviour. Hours spent on the dance floor and beyond can often leave ravers unable to get a proper night’s sleep.

The causes are numerous, from simply interrupting your circadian rhythm (which regulates your energy levels throughout the day) to all manner of intoxicants, including alcohol. But what are the best ways to cope with the often debilitating effect of insomnia?

DETOX
Alcohol alone can play havoc with our sleep; from reducing much needed REM sleep to causing snoring, not to mention how other substances can also interfere with getting a decent night of rest. Drink lots of water and teas like chamomile, sweat it out, and replace lost nutrients through good food, fruits and vegetables.

USE SUPPLEMENTS
If you’ve been wired all weekend, there’s a good chance you still have a fair amount of cortisol and adrenaline pumping around your system. Magnesium, Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Valerian Root, Melatonin and L-Theanine are among the most useful supplements and herbs for aiding relaxation and sleep.

STAY AWAKE
This probably sounds counterproductive, but there is nothing worse than lying in bed, wide awake, trying to force yourself to sleep. It simply doesn’t work. So, don’t fight it, get up and do something, even if it’s just relaxing on the sofa. Avoid overstimulating your brain, or occupying your time with screens, though.

ADOPT A PRE-BED ROUTINE
Turn your phone off an hour before bed (at least), have a hot bath, read a book, meditate, engage in deep breathing exercises, perhaps even go for a late-night stroll – anything that helps you unwind and prepare your mind and body for bedtime.

DUMP YOUR SCREENS
One of the main causes of insomnia in the modern age is our screen usage. The blue light emitted by phones and tablets delays the release of melatonin, disrupting our sleep patterns. Turn them off way before bed and put them in another room.