Top Ten Ways to Get a Good Night's Sleep
by: Linda Dessau
Sleep – are you getting enough? For some people, enough is four to six hours.
Other people just don't feel right with less than eight hours. People need more
or less sleep at different phases in their life. Women may need more or less
sleep at different phases of the month.
The simplest way to tell if you're getting enough is by noticing every morning -
do you feel rested? Do you wake up without an alarm clock and feel ready to
get right out of bed and start your day?
Not getting enough sleep is one of the most direct ways that we self-sabotage
our success and well-being. When we are better rested we not only feel better,
but are calmer, smarter, more rational, nicer to be around and we look better.
Why wouldn't we choose to have that every day??
xx1. Set the Stage - turn off the computer and television at least one hour
xxbefore you'd like to fall asleep, and turn on some music that you find
xxrelaxing. Test what your stereo system will do when the recording is
xxfinished – does it SNAP! or does it “wrrrr” – this will make a difference
xxas you’re drifting off. My CD player makes a very soft "wrrrr" noise
xx(though I honestly can't remember the last time I was still awake
xxwhen the CD was over).
xx2. Music without words - words can provoke and direct your thoughts more
xxthan instrumental music or pure vocal sounds.
xx3. Music with natural "breaths" - music where the soloist takes natural
xxpauses to breathe can help you to slow down your own breath - try flute,
xxother wind instruments or voice (either with no words or words in a language
xxyou don't understand).
xx4. A good book - For bedtime reading, try to stay away from material that
xxxxgets you thinking about things you deal with during the day. Magazines
xxxxor stories that distract you from your own life may help you to drift into
xxxxsleep.
xx5. Imagery - If you find that your mind is racing when you are trying to sleep,
xxpicture a viewpoint where you're traveling down a road. See your thoughts
xxas signposts that you're passing. Concentrate on letting them pass right by.
xx6. Progressive muscle relaxation - Imagine that a ball of light is traveling
xxalong your body, beginning at the top of your head, going down to the tips
xxof your toes, and then coming up again. As it passes your muscles, they fill
xxwith light and relax.
xx7. Take a nap - If your sleep has been interrupted or there've been unavoid-
xxable late nights, an afternoon nap can help you catch up. Experts advise
xxthat naps should be taken earlier in the afternoon, rather than later and
xxthat we should keep them to 30 minutes or less. This will avoid disrupting
xxyour sleep at night.
xx8. Lavender Bath - Take a hot bath and add a couple of drops of lavender oil.
xxLavender has naturally occurring relaxing properties.
xx9. Chamomile Tea - Calms the nervous system and helps to promote restful
xxsleep.
x10. Take 500 mg Calcium with 250 mg Magnesium at bedtime - The calcium xxhas a calming effect, and the magnesium works along with it.
The advice and information in this article is not meant to replace medical advice. If you suspect you have a serious sleeping problem such as sleep apnea, or if you experience insomnia or extreme fatigue, please consult a healthcare professional.
Copyright Linda Dessau 2004. All rights reserved.
About The Author: Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach helps hundreds of
people every month improve their self-care & make healthier choices.
Subscribe to her free monthly newsletter, Genuine Self-Care”, at:
http://www.genuinecoaching.com/newsletter.html
or contact Linda by email: linda@genuinecoaching.com
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