I help people get their sleep on track as part of my job and if you're not doing these for your sleep, your should:
- Take 1mg or less ONLY of melatonin. Less is more with melatonin and you're not doing yourself favors with 5 or 10mg pills, which manufacturers make because people buy them thinking they're better. Not the case.
- Sleep in 100% darkness. Light of any level interferes with your sleep. Get a sleep mask if you can't get your room dark.
- Get better sheets. You should NOT be sleeping on polyester / microfiber - they trap heat and don't breathe either, promoting skin issues. Your temperature changes through the night, so a temp-regulating fabric like a linen/cotton blend is great for all seasons; or if you sleep too hot, try bamboo/viscose, which disappates heat.
- Get enough sleep. If you're younger (adolescent to young adult) you may need 9 or even 10. Uterus owners, new research is out indicating we need a bit more sleep, including right around menstruation - 8.5 or 9 hours might be more appropriate even if you're an adult.
- Try to get the same amount of sleep every day. A new study is out showing that it's likely healthier to get consistent sleep (ie 6h every night) over inconsistent but more sleep (ie 8, then 4, then 10).
- Try magnesium balm. Mag is good for sleep quality and skin balm less hard on your stomach than a tablet.
- GET YOUR PHONE OUT OF YOUR BED. I stg some of you are complaining about insomnia but still scrolling in bed - BLUE LIGHT SUPPRESSES MELATONIN. Your brain literally thinks it's daytime when you look at your phone's light so it's no wonder you're not sleeping. No phone or screens an hour before bed. Get a book, talk on the phone, or shower instead.
- Similarly, get out of bed if you're not falling asleep. Lying there for hours teaches your brain to associate the bed with not sleeping, so get up and sit in dim light on the sofa - no, get off your phone - and read something boring until you feel more sleepy.
- If you have ANY signs of sleep apnea or are overweight, I recommend asking about a sleep study - you can often get a small take-home device to do one. I was chronically tired, achy, etc but did not snore, so I was shocked when I found out it was mild apnea. Sleep onset insomnia can be a sign!
Trans women can be hard to shop for. unless you've read my gift guide for trans. which you can, because it's out now.
At the usual site, at the bottom of the image.