Twelve Ways To Get Better Sleep!

Many of us can get more sleep or at least better sleep.  Sleep is too important; our bodies do much of our healing while at rest.

 

1. Make sure your room is dark as possible - I've seen a lot of rooms with street lights glowing the whole space up, phones that go off, cable boxes, computers, etc...
2. Try to wind down before bed - yes that means to put away the cell!  Try to have some down time before bed for reading or maybe meditating...
3. Don't eat or drink right before bed, caffeine and alcohol especially - Really it means anything besides water.  You may even limit that as it gets later because you don't want to have to get up three times to pee.
4. Set the alarm for a normal amount of time - By normal, I mean 6-8 hours.  Most of us sleep about seven hours.  There's going to the bathroom, checking on the kids, etc.(time where you are awake).
5. Physically tire yourself out - Especially aerobic exercise.  Have you ever had a day where you were just exhausted from all the "stuff" you had to do.  Try to stop your sleep on one of those days...
6. Eat right - I have found that those with a healthier diet seem to do better.  Good amounts of vegetables, less sugar, and less processed items.  Try it; not only will you start to feel better, but you'll sleep better too.
7. Manage stress appropriately - those of us under continuous severe stress will have more trouble.  Have you ever heard the line: "stress doesn't necessarily cause anything, but it exacerbates anything and everything".  Need I say more?
8. Stop smoking - It has been proven over and over, with studies, real life examples, you name it...
9. Stop sleeping with pets - it's similar with a little one, when they are fast asleep move them to their own crib or bed.  If not they will dictate your sleeping position - and it's usually not good.
10. Lower the temperature a degree or two - This will help you sleep, you can always cover up.
11. Get the tv out of the bedroom - Not only does it give you the opportunity to have something to do when you get up, it usually gives off some kind of light.  Side note* - In the world of ever evolving technology, I have found colored masking tape extremely handy to cover up a number of unwanted lights from tv's, cable boxes, and more.
12. Have a comfy bed and pillow - I personally like the arc4life traction pillow.  I use the standard/medium size and rarely sleep without it!

There you have it.  These 12 items are sure to help you sleep.  You may not be able to do all of them; I think the more you can do, the better.

 

Additional Reading: 

1. Sleep with this pillow for the neck 

2. Put this under the legs

3. Put this between the knees if a side sleeper