Insomnia and sleep deprivation is a hot topic these days. It is that one thing that everyone seems to be suffering from collectively. There is no shortage of studies and news of how insomnia is related to obesity, and the pharmaceutical market comes up with new medicines every day designed to help you catch on some sleep. We spend a lot of our time in bed, so what is it that is making it so challenging to get shut-eye? These few seemingly harmless things that you do in bed keeps you from getting restful sleep.

1. Scrolling Through Instagram Feed

Almost all of us get tempted to check the last Facebook message, e-mail or text one last time before finally hitting the sack. It turns out that fiddling with phone at night can interfere with the body's awareness of day and night and make it even more difficult for the body to fall asleep. Plus, the blue light can also interfere with the levels of sleep-inducing hormone melatonin and make it even more difficult for you to fall asleep.

2. Watching Netflix

For many of us watching something on the television is like a night-time ritual. And while you might think that the flickering light might pave your way to dreamland, it has just the opposite effect. Particularly if you watch something violent or intense, you get even more restless sleep. Give your brain some chance to wind down and turn off the television exactly an hour before going to bed. How to Lose Weight Naturally in Your Sleep: 4 Tips to Burn Fat While Sleeping

3. Eating Cupcakes or Cookies

A romantic breakfast in bed or a late night snack might seem like a brilliant idea but even minuscule amounts of crumbs between the sheets can attract crawlies such as ants, flies and cockroaches. Sweet treats like juice cookies and cupcakes can especially attract ants and houseflies.

4. Catching Up on Pending Work

While working from your bed might seem more productive but the opposite is true. It not only makes you more likely to procrastinate during a work day, but also makes you associate your bed with work, worsening your insomnia. Beating Insomnia: The Only 3 Tips You Need to Get the Best Night’s Sleep

5. Sleeping With the Furry Creatures

Your pet might be your favourite partner in bed but according to National Sleep Foundation, sharing your bed with an animal can potentially disrupt your sleep with the animal moving, making noises and taking up your precious space. And even if you are not allergic to pet dander, your pet can impact your sleep if you suffer from asthma and allergies.

6. Having a Heated Discussion

If bedtime is the only time you get with your partner, engage in positive conversations. It's tempting to clear the air before going off to sleep but putting the argument on hold is actually better for conflict resolution. Cuddle your partner instead of getting into a tiff. Cuddling releases endorphins that eases tensions and helps you sleep better. Best Couple Sleeping Positions to Bond and Have a Good Night's Sleep With Your Partner

After a good night's sleep you won't be as angry at your spouse and you will be able to talk things out more rationally and calmly the next morning. You will also have a more productive day when you wake up fresh in the morning.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 17, 2020 12:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).