Get a better nights sleep
 |
| Kitties know all about sleeping. We're getting sleepy just looking at her. |
A recent article from an online Independent newsletter stated the latest recommendations from a recent sleep study may encourage people to stay in bed for an extra hour or two, as experts have updated guidelines for the ideal amount of sleep for each age group.
Although I haven't verified the science behind the article it did get me thinking of ways to get more sleep. Changes in hormones, diet and work had made it harder for me to get to sleep. These are 5 tips I've use that have helped tremendously.
1. No caffeine after 2 pm.
I love my coffee and tea but if I drink it later in the afternoon I am wide awake until nearly midnight. Plus I get edgy or gittery, like I cant sit still. Not comfortable. Switched to decaf after 2 and it made all the difference.
2. Regular Morning Exercise
Hate to admit it but those yoga classes I gripe about have actually helped my sleep. Recently learned that daily morning exercise is a huge sleep benefit.
3. Legs up the wall
Ok. This sounds odd but it works. This is an inverted yoga pose, simply lay on your back with your legs straight out on the wall. If you are not too close the to the wall then it is more restful.
4. Breathe without reading books
My childhood loss of sleep was due to being up til the wee hours reading an engrossing book. Just ask Hermina how often this happened. Though it still happens today, I've made a habit of putting it down and take deep belly breaths. Preferably while I have my legs up the wall
5. Smaller meals closer to bedtime
Late nights mean I get home after 8pm, hungry. Not eating leaves me cranky and the hunger pangs make it hard to sleep. So I have my late dinner but make it smaller, eating it slowly so my body has time to register it is full.
.jpg) |
| If kitty aint sleeping, aint nobody sleeping |
6. Lock Kitties out of the bedroom?
THIS WILL NEVER HAPPEN. So I happily put up with my furbaby Stripey (see picture on right) waking me up at 4am to snuggle and knead my upper LEFT arm. But I will admit my sleep while on vacation is longer and more restful.
What have been your tricks for better sleep?
Plus what good sleep habits have you read about or someone recommended? Which have you adopted? And what is the one thing you wont change even though it messes up your good nights sleep? Post your comments below.
Good Night, Sleep Tight, Don't Let the Kitties Bite.
Michelle G. Lathe, L.E.
PS. Look for my interview with Alison and her tips on sleeping that she has learned from 20+ years as a Narcolepsy sufferer.
Plus if your back, neck or muscle pains are keeping you up, relief is on the way... I will have more info on our Targeted Zone Massage Program next week. Subscribe to this blog for more info.
PS. Look for my interview with Alison and her tips on sleeping that she has learned from 20+ years as a Narcolepsy sufferer.
Plus if your back, neck or muscle pains are keeping you up, relief is on the way... I will have more info on our Targeted Zone Massage Program next week. Subscribe to this blog for more info.
No comments:
Post a Comment