Trouble sleeping at night? Whether its stress, body pain, or a shiny blue screen keeping you up, not getting those 7-9 recommended hours of shut-eye can throw off your entire day. Thanks to the awesome power of science, however, we now know some easy ways to tweak our sleeping habits that can remedy the nine most common problems people face.
No, we're not talking about melatonin supplements or chamomile tea (though if those work for you, carry on). It's as simple as setting a morning alarm, or being careful of what time you drink caffeine, or knowing where to place pillows to alleviate certain ailments. Even the temperature of your room plays a role in how well you sleep.
Snoring: Try sleeping on your side or propping your head up a few inches.
Shoulder pain: Don’t sleep on your side. If you are a side sleeper, and the pain is only in one shoulder, try sleeping on the other side.
Back pain: Add a pillow under your thighs if you sleep on your stomach, or under your legs if you sleep on your back.
Can’t wake up: Try to wake up around the same time every day so your body is used to it.
Leg cramps: Try massaging the area apply, heat to the muscle, and stretching to relieve the pain.
Can’t fall asleep: Avoid caffeine several hours before bedtime.
Can’t stay asleep: Avoid alcohol before bed, since it can decrease the amount of time you spend in deep REM sleep.
Neck pain: Replace your pillows at least every two years.
Acid reflux: Talk to a doctor about medication options.
