How To Sleep When Horrific News Becomes The Norm

1. Talk about what’s bothering you A big part of dealing with a tragedy is expressing your emotions, said Steve Orma, a clinical psychologist and author of Stop Worrying and Go to Sleep. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration recommends that you talk to family and friends about how you’re feeling.

2. Do things that help you relax Relaxation and meditation techniques help ease stress and can be especially helpful before bed, said Phyllis Zee, director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital.

3.Practice good sleep hygiene Exercise during the day, but not too close to bedtime. Get some sun during the day, but avoid bright lighter later at night.

4. Give yourself a break You need to tell yourself it’s ok to have a few nights of poor sleep, Orma said. The more you beat yourself up for not sleeping well and the more upset you get about it, the more anxious you can become about not sleeping and fuel the sleepless cycle.

5. Get the help you need If coping on your own or with your family members is not enough, talk to a psychologist or licensed medical health professional, recommends the American Psychological Association. The Huffington Post