Sleep Like A Baby
Posted on June 06, 2010 by Cathy Webb, One of Thousands of Entrepreneurship Coaches on Noomii.
With all the stress in our lives today, getting a good night's sleep has never been so important and never been so difficult to get!
It is normal to have a little trouble getting to sleep during times of stress. Living with the stress of the unknown, this lack of good rest can result in illness and poor mental health. There are a few things that may help you sleep better and fall asleep quicker. First, it is important to abstain from alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, stimulating foods and drugs before bedtime. Try to avoid late evening meals and late-night snacking. Your body needs a rest, and if your digestive system must work through the night, you will feel exhausted the next morning.
Eat properly all day long and be sure to get some fresh air and exercise. These few habits will improve your overall health.Make sure your bedroom is a restful haven. It is not a good idea to have computers, televisions, and other electronic devices in your sleeping area. Even when they are turned off, they give off electromagnetic waves that may interfere with your body’s systems. Unplug them or remove them from the room. Work-related items should also be removed from the room. Use battery operated clocks and radios in the bedroom to cut down on electromagnetic radiation. Place your bed against a wall where you can see the door, but not with your feet facing the door. This allows you to feel protected and less vulnerable during sleep. Buy comfortable mattresses, pillows and bed linens. The temperature range of 65 to 68 degrees has proven to be the most comfortable for good sleep. A dark bedroom is also needed for quality rest. Our bodies respond best to natural lighting and natural seasonal cycles of light and dark. Bedrooms should have good ventilation. Air the bedroom out daily to freshen the linens and the air quality. The most restful bedrooms are uncluttered. If you must use the bedroom for storage, keep the visible items to a minimum. Keep yourself warm in the bed. Wear socks, a night cap, and warm pajamas if you need to. Preheat the bed with a hot water bottle if needed.
To help you prepare for sleep, use relaxation CDs or tapes, meditate, pray or just be quiet and clear your mind of all thoughts. If you are troubled by problems, write them down on paper and resolve to not worry about them until the next day. Do not go to bed angry. Take a vacation from your troubles overnight. Many people find that a warm herbal bath before bed can help them relax and fall asleep quickly. Lavender essential oil is an excellent choice for a relaxing bath. Keep the water warm, not too hot. Breathe deeply before closing your eyes for the night. Visualize a peaceful, relaxing scene in your mind. There are many natural remedies for helping you get to sleep. Consult a professional to learn more about helpful sleep formulas. Sleep pillows made of lavender buds, hops flowers and mugwort have proven helpful for women through the ages. If you need to talk to someone about your problems or concerns, call a trusted friend, a counselor or get professional help. Do not keep your fears and stresses bottled up inside. Some folks find keeping a journal is helpful. They record their feelings, thoughts, dreams, problems and prayers. A light cup of herbal tea or warm milk may help some people relax before bedtime.Take a short nap during the day if you can or if you need to. Longer naps of 20 minutes or more may disrupt your sleep cycle later in the day. Give yourself permission to get a good night of restful sleep. A sleep mask may help those of you who cannot get the room dark enough. Surround yourself with comfort in your bedroom, especially in the bed. I prefer all cotton and all natural materials for the bed. You might give it a try. Spray a lavender essential oil-based room freshener in the bedroom a few minutes before you turn out the lights. Develop a pre-bedtime ritual so that your mind and body will begin to respond naturally to the cues of preparing for sleep.
I have found that the saying “Prayer or meditation should be the key to the morning and the lock to the evening” is very helpful in settling into a peaceful sleep. Sweet Dreams!
