sleep expert we sleep because we get sleepy

There are plenty of places to learn effective mindfulness meditation techniques, from meditation apps to full-blown online courses (our favorite meditation app, Headspace, offers guided body-scanning meditations). This is because mindfulness meditation tends to quiet the disruptive, anxiety-inducing thought patterns that lead to sleeplessness. Studies have shown that mindfulness meditation techniques improve sleep quality, and they may be a viable treatment for adults with chronic insomnia. I scan my bodyĪlthough it sounds like a strange, high-tech term, body scanning is a form of mindfulness meditation that involves methodically taking in the sensations in each part of your body, from head to toe. But if you’re like me, and you wrestle with the occasional bout of insomnia, these secret weapons may help you vanquish it. Of course, if you regularly suffer from sleeplessness, your first step should be to speak with a doctor. Most importantly, they’re easy to do and require no specialized gear or preparation. Each is backed by scientific research or expert advice. These are the six simple practices I use to fall asleep when all else fails. At times like that, I need help to shut off my brain, calm my body down, and get the sleep I need. But despite having all the best gear and routines, I still often find my mind racing at 4 o’clock in the morning, counting the minutes until my alarm goes off. I’ve tested everything from mattresses to meditation apps, and I know all about good sleep hygiene. Or, more precisely, as one of Wirecutter’s resident sleep writers, I make a living trying to help people get a better night’s rest.

Sleep expert we sleep because we get sleepy