The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that about 30 percent of the population experiences difficulty sleeping. Some people have difficulty falling asleep, while others have difficulty staying asleep.
Trouble sleeping may be acute, due to travel, stress, or receiving bad news, or chronic, due to pain, depression, anxiety, and other health problems.
If you have established a good sleep routine, cut out late-night caffeine, and are still having difficulty falling asleep, the following suggestions may help:
Aromatherapy – inhaling the scent of lavender essential oil while sleeping may help promote deep sleep and decrease the feeling of tiredness in the morning. Lavender oil may be placed in a diffuser or mixed with water, as directed by the manufacturer, and sprayed on a pillowcase to create a calming environment.
Sound machines - use soothing sounds such as rainfall, a crackling fire or white noise to help people sleep.
If lifestyle changes and over-the-counter remedies are not helping, or if you experience sleep problems on a regular basis, contact your physician for further guidance.
References: