Do you get enough sleep? I know I don’t. I’ve tried everything too; going to bed earlier, exercising, drinking a warm cup of milk, reading, watching TV, etc.! I’m lucky if I get five hours of sleep a night, I’m constantly feeling dazed and confused, and I space out so often during class! It’s really frustrating, and my teachers don’t understand – they always just tell me to go to bed earlier. But how can I go to bed earlier when I have so much work to do? Besides that, I can’t even sleep when I’m in bed. I either wake up constantly and can’t fall back asleep, or wake up way before my alarm and can’t snooze.

I’m pretty sure I’m having trouble sleeping because of the constant stress of school, work, and parents looming over me. If you’re like me and are overwhelmed by stressors and responsibilities, maybe try to take on a little less. Here are some examples of ideas I came up with to help me get to sleep, stay asleep, and relax.

• Limit the amount of caffeine you drink, especially before bedtime. The effect that caffeine has on a person depends on how sensitive they are to it, but it can cause restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Try cutting down on coffee, soda, tea, and energy drinks.
• Remove yourself from stressful situations and relationships. Think about what you do and who you hang out with. Who makes your life easier? Who makes it more stressful? What things do you want to do? What kind of things do you have to do? Make lists of all the activities you’re part of and all the friends you hang out with. Look through them and see if any activities on your list just aren’t doing you any good, or if there are people in your life who aren’t worth the stress. After you cut out activities you don’t need and have a heart-to-heart with your friends, you may just sleep better!

Good sleeping habits are really important. Make sure that you do your best to take control so that nothing gets between you and a good night sleep.

-Elan