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Sleep and grief don’t always get along!

The death of someone we love breaks our hearts, and grief sets in. Grief’s synonyms are sorrow, misery, sadness, pain, distress, agony, torment, heartache, desolation, dejection, and angst…. Ok, I think you get it! Grief is overwhelming and knows no boundaries. But besides emotional feelings, it causes a myriad of physical issues too. When we don’t get enough sleep it impacts our immune system, our mood, and our ability to handle our day-to-day tasks. Simply put, lack of sleep can make us feel worse, it adds insult to injury.

But on a positive, let’s talk about what one can do to help offset insomnia.

8 tips to help you get a good night sleep:

  1. SKIP THE NAP – As much as we may love them, try not to nap as it makes sleeping later tougher!
  2. FAMILY TIME – Spend time with family and friends. Hang out with people who love you for who you are and listen to you.
  3. DEAL WITH YOUR PROBLEMS – Leave the drinks and pills in the cupboard! Alcohol is a depressant and only gives brief relief while drugs only mask your feelings. Grief will be waiting for you when everything wears off!
  4. GET MOVING – Wake your endorphins up. Physical exercise is clinically proven to make you feel better.
  5. EAT HEALTHY –  Don’t drown your sorrows in a vat of ice cream. Foods that disagree with you physically or mentally also have a negative effect on sleep.
  6. BEDTIME ROUTINE – Create a routine that is quiet and calming at bedtime. Aromatherapy, tea, soft music, soothing baths, reading, and meditation can be great means to help you relax and fall asleep.
  7. JOURNAL – Journaling emotions Create a journal of your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Read what you wrote out loud. Getting pent up emotions out can be liberating.
  8. PRAY – Give it to God if you are spiritual. Praying in a quiet spot for healing and thanksgiving can be very helpful.