For many survivors, sleeping can seem impossible. I have spent countless nights wide awake, jumping at every noise and shadow. There are lots of options for making sleep easier, (few of which have worked for me, truthfully, but everyone is different) ranging from something as simple as taking the time to eat a bowl of cherries all the way up to taking prescribed pills. Personally, I would suggest doing whatever you can to avoid taking sleeping pills (even over the counter) as it is very easy to become dependent. There are many helpful things you can do that cost very little and are very addictive (in the good way!) One of which is to take a warm bubble bath before going to bed. Use a bubble gel with a relaxing scent, such as vanilla, and give yourself the chance to unwind (maybe even read a book!) Another good idea is to purchase a sound machine. Radio Shack sells them for $10, and you get 6 sounds and 7 light patterns to chose from! You can also try this wonderful relaxation technique; starting with your feet and slowly working up to your face, take the time to flex each muscle tightly and slooowly relax it. Eventually you will find yourself drifting off before you reach your face. The links below lead to several websites that have been helpful to me. I've found bits and pieces from each site that have been useful at one point or another, but like I said, different things work for different people. If you are having problems sleeping, I hope you can find something here to help.
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Get a Better Night's Sleep
Tips for a better recovery (includes sleeping tips)
Tips and tools for a better night's sleep
Sleepnet- Everything you wanted to know about sleep disorders but were too tired to ask
Women and Sleep
Free Counters
Email: VOAMonline@gmail.com
