You toss and turn in bed trying to sleep but get up feeling frustrated. When you finally do get some sleep, it is o?nly for a few hours because it is time to get up and go to work. Then, you go through day feeling groggy, depressed and extremely exhausted.

You try drinking cups and cups of coffee but instead of feeling awake, you feel even worse. A potentially disastrous headache starts drumming at corner or your head. The drumbeats get louder and more persistent by each passing minute. As a last resort, you let nature take its course. You fall flat in front of your computer screen and start snoozing.

So, I might have exaggerated a little with last sentence, but fact is, many people do not get proper amount of sleep they need everyday. As a direct result of this, they are not able to function optimally in their jobs, studies or even simple daily tasks.

There are many factors that can cause insomnia such as, stress, illness, a new sleeping environment and many more. Treatments can also vary depending o?n type of insomnia you are suffering from. However, there are some basic things that you can do to practice healthy sleeping habits.

1) Set a conducive sleep environment

Regardless of how absurd it may sound, it is crucial to set correct atmosphere in your bedroom. The most important rule is to remember that your bedroom is a place for you to sleep and rest. So, get rid of television, radio or anything that can distract you from sleeping. People tend to sleep better in rooms that are a little bit cooler rather than a little bit warmer. So, make sure your room is cool and aired. Switch off all lights, as it is easier for your brains to prepare your body to sleep in dark. Aside from making sure that your mattress and pillows are comfortable, you also have to change sheets often as cleanliness always promotes a pleasant environment.

2) Maintain a consistent sleeping and wake-up time

I tried with all my might but I just could not stay awake. My eyelids grew heavier by moment until I finally caved in and dozed off. When I was abruptly awakened 15 minutes later, by an old lady poking my ribs with her fancy umbrella, I realized that I missed my stop again.

This is third time in this whole week that I slept off during my bus ride and failed to get off at supposed destination. It was not o?nly during bus rides that I slumbered. I also dozed off during lectures, during lunch breaks, in shower, while talking to my mom o?n phone; well almost any place that left me feeling comfortable.

Perhaps it was time for me to take o?n those extra lectures o?n sleep therapy after all. Insomnia is an awful thing to go through. The inability to fall asleep and difficulty to initiate and maintain sleep can be quite irksome.

What is Insomnia?

Insomnia is classified as difficulty of falling asleep or staying asleep which later causes impairments in daytime functioning. Insomniacs often complain of problems in concentrating or focusing, feeling depressed, irritable, moody or anxious, and incapability to function optimally in workplace, at home or even at school.

Read All About It: Insomnia Can Cause Weight Gain & Diabetes

Lack of sleep can considerably damage our health, as much as unhealthy eating habits or infrequent exercise can affect our immune system. Studies have shown that when somebody suffers from insomnia, aside from affecting their level of concentration and alertness, there is also an increased risk of them contracting other serious health problems such as, weight gain, diabetes and obesity.