The Oaks At Ojai
Every human, at times, has trouble falling to sleep. A day that starts out bad and just gets worse, the baby teething, financial woes all contribute to that tossing and turning. But quality sleep is essential for well being.
Be leery of "miracle" cures for sleeplessness. Talk to your doctor even when selecting a natural sleeping pill or formula, especially if you're pregnant or have any medical concerns. But do take your sleeplessness seriously because it can contribute impaired judgment and slow reactions. It might even be making you fat.
Researchers at the University of Chicago, as reported in MSNBC News Services, found that there's a link between male middle age spread and sleep patterns as we age. It seems that younger people produce more growth hormones, which keeps fat away, but when the body reduces production of these components, flab sneaks in. While the study doesn't recommend supplements of grown hormones, it does conclude that we need to take seriously for our minds and our bodies.
The regular "just not sleeping good" problem, however can be attributed to dozens of situations. But here are some quick solutions you may want to try tonight. Be sure to share them with loved ones and your kids.
Sleep is influenced by our minds. It's funny stuff. If we think we won't be able to sleep, we're probably have trouble doing so. When you prepare your body for sleep, and expect to sleep you probably will. After you've been in bed for about an hour, tossing and turning, your brain is probably saying, "you'll never get to sleep now," and you may not, at least for a while.
When it's time for bed, it's sometimes our only moment to think. When we lie down for sleep, it's typically the period when alone, we're not on call. There is no e-mail, no pagers, no one asking, "Mommy, can you help with me with my homework?" So what do we do? Start to think about all the things we haven't time to review during the daytime. This leads to worry and sleeplessness.
To change the evening pattern to one that's more conducive to sleep, consider a sleep routine. Create a ritual. Every evening before bed, go through the same steps, even a few hours before you climb between the covers. After a few weeks of whatever ritual you choose, your body will understand the signal that "okay, we're getting ready for sleep."
Your ritual might be to take the dog for a stroll (not a brisk walk, which will only energize you), brush and floss, slip into your jammies, read something uplifting, listen to music, and sip some chamomile tea. Many companies make herbal sleep pillows, cd's with the sound of the ocean, cooling sleep eye masks, and herbal inhalers said to bring on peaceful slumber. If they work for you, then use them. Some people listen to the same restful music each and every night.
If you're having trouble sleeping, it could have everything to do with what you're watching before bed. In addition to worry and stress, or chronic health problems, which should be addressed by a physician, the main reasons why we're not sleep well are:
*Not enough exercise during the day. Start a regular program of walking, beginning slowly, and working up to a brisk two mile walk each day.
*Eating heavy, spicy, or fatty foods within a few hours of bedtime.
*Drinking stimulants, like coffee, in the evening, perhaps even in the afternoon can easily contribute to insomnia.
*Television watching, especially while lying in bed is one of the chief reasons why people don't sleep well. It's not just the violence; it's the stimulation of the programming. Get the tv out of the bedroom and see if that makes a change.
*No specific time to go to bed or get up. You need not set an alarm, but if you regulate bedtime and waking time, your body will quickly adjust to the pattern.
Think of sleep as a healthful part of your total wellness program. These tips can help you sleep better as you stay fit for life.
