Don't Want To Take Sleeping Medication? Try These Options First

If you're struggling to sleep at night, you may be considering taking medication to help you get the rest you need. However, there are situations in which you may not want to try sleep medications first.

The good news is that you have other options. These are some of the options you may want to try first.

Create a Cozy Sleep Environment

First, make sure your sleeping environment is conducive to rest. This means making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider investing in blackout curtains and a white noise machine to help you create the perfect environment for sleep. You might even use different smells, like lavender, to help you sleep well at night.

Get on a Sleep Schedule

It can also help to get on a sleep schedule. This means going to bed at the same each day and waking up on a consistent schedule. Even on days where you have no time-based obligations, you should keep this schedule. This will help to regulate your body's sleep cycle naturally.

Make Lifestyle Changes

There are also lifestyle changes you can make that may help you get better sleep. For instance, you should avoid not only caffeine before bed but also alcohol. You should also avoid working out right before you go to sleep. These activities can all make it harder to sleep at night.

Try Melatonin

If you're still struggling to sleep, you might want to try taking melatonin. Melatonin is a natural hormone that can help regulate your sleep cycle. You can find it in supplement form at most drugstores or online.

Get a Sleep Study

If you've tried all of these things and you're still not sleeping well, it may be time to see a doctor. A sleep study can help to identify any underlying sleep disorders you may have. This can help you get the treatment you need to finally get a good night's sleep.

For example, a sleep study could indicate that you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that can cause you to wake up multiple times throughout the night. However, you can also get treatment through your sleep doctor to address the underlying issues.

Talk With Your Sleep Medicine Provider

If you're still struggling to sleep, talk with your sleep medicine provider. They can help you figure out if there's an underlying condition that's causing your insomnia. They can also help you choose the right treatment option, including medication, to help you get the rest you need.

For more information on sleep medicine, contact a professional near you.