Counting Sheep

In today's busy world, it's often difficult to stop our mind from racing at night. We are often preoccupied with thoughts of the days events, the future, work, school, relationships, our family, and more than likely financial hardships. Making sure we get enough sleep will help keep us from being crabby, feeling tired throughout the day, and overeating.

It would be nice to have control over all aspects of our lives and be able to fall asleep with the snap of a finger, but since we can't, the best thing to do is to work on our habits. Here are a few tips to help us get the sleep we need:

• Be consistent. Going to bed and waking up at the same time everyday, will ensure that your body has a consistent cycle and will make it easier for you to fall asleep.
• Avoid food and drink before bedtime. Eating fatty or spicy foods can cause heartburn and make you restless. Drinking before bed might make you wake up several times during the night for trips to the bathroom.
• Avoid stimulants. Stimulants like caffeine should be avoided for 8 hours before you go to bed, as it takes your body several hours to get rid itself of the stimulant.
• Get some exercise. Getting in the routine of regular physical activity can help with falling alseep faster and making your sleep more restful. If you like to exercise in the evening, try to do it three hours before your planned bedtime.
• Keep your sleeping room comfortable. It should be cool, quiet, and dark. Extra blankets should be brought in during the winter to keep you warm. If you are using a heater in the house, make sure that you also bring in a humidifier to avoid dryness. Earplugs can help block out distractions such as barking dogs. Use thick curtains that keep the light out.
• Avoid distractions. Avoid having a TV, a computer, or other items which can distract you from sleep in your bedroom.
• Avoid long naps. If you need to take a nap throughout the day, limit yourself to only a half-hour nap. Make sure you take your nap in the early afternoon. If you take your nap too late and for too long, you will disrupt your body's internal clock.
• If you have trouble waking up after a night of restful sleep, leave your window coverings open so that the sunlight can help adjust your body's internal clock.
• Pick-up a nightly routine to help you relax. Reading, listening to music, bathing or showering are all great activities to help put you in the mood for sleep.

What are some nightly routines that help you fall asleep?