Over the pages of this book, you’ll have gleaned that sleep medicine, still in its relative infancy, has a long way to go before we fully understand what happens to our bodies and brains during the hours of the night. Nonetheless, I hope I’ve been able to unravel some of the secrets of your sleeping life so that you can make changes that enable you to fall asleep easily, sleep soundly and wake up refreshed. In summary, here are my top five pointers for getting the best out of your sleep:
• First and foremost, optimize your sleep hygiene. I’ve said it often, but good sleep hygiene really is the key to healthy sleep.
• Make sure that you take steps to reduce anxiety and increase relaxation in your life. Stressed people don’t sleep well.
• If you think you might have a sleep disorder, investigate it as soon as possible – don’t wait, hoping it will pass: that’s how minor disorders become insomnias.
• If your first go at self-help doesn’t work, think about visiting your medical practitioner or other healthcare professional to check that a sinister disorder isn’t causing the problem. Prescription medications are available only through a medical practitioner, some others through a pharmacist, others off the shelf in a pharmacy and others still at the supermarket. However, remember that any medication is only ever masking the underlying problem.
• Finally, believe in your ability to sleep. What we still have to learn about sleep does not change the fact that sleep is a natural, necessary state for well-being.