by: Dr. Joseph Mercola
33 Secrets to a Good Night's Sleep
If you are having sleep problems, sleep center whether you are not able to fall asleep, wake up too often, don't feel well-rested when you wake up in the morning, or simply want to improve the quality and quantity of your sleep, try as many of the following techniques below as possible:
· My current favorite for insomnia is Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT). sleep center Most people can learn this gentle tapping technique in several minutes.
EFT can help balance your body's bioenergy system and resolve some of the emotional stresses that are contributing to the insomnia at a very deep level. sleep center The results are typically long lasting and the improvement is remarkably rapid.
· Listen to white noise or relaxation CDs. Some people find the sound of white noise or nature sounds, such as the ocean or forest, to be soothing for sleep. sleep center An excellent relaxation/meditation option to listen to before bed is the Insight audio CD.
· Avoid before-bed snacks, particularly grains and sugars. This will raise blood sugar and inhibit sleep. Later, when blood sugar drops too low (hypoglycemia), sleep center you might wake up and not be able to fall back asleep.
· Sleep in complete darkness or as close as possible. If there is even the tiniest bit of light in the room it can disrupt your circadian rhythm and your pineal gland's production of melatonin and seratonin. sleep center There also should be as little light in the bathroom as possible if you get up in the middle of the night. Please whatever you do, keep the light off when you go to the bathroom at night. As soon as you turn on that light you will for that night immediately cease all production of the important sleep aid melatonin. sleep center
· No TV right before bed. Even better, get the TV out of the bedroom or even out of the house, sleep center completely. It is too stimulating to the brain and it will take longer to fall asleep. Also disruptive of pineal gland function for the same reason as above.
· Wear socks to bed. Due to the fact that they have the poorest circulation, sleep center the feet often feel cold before the rest of the body. A study has shown that this reduces night wakings.
· Read something spiritual or religious. This will help to relax. Don't read anything stimulating, such as a mystery or suspense novel, as this may have the opposite effect. sleep center In addition, if you are really enjoying a suspenseful book, you might wind up unintentionally reading for hours, instead of going to sleep.
· Avoid using loud alarm clocks. It is very stressful on the body to be awoken suddenly. If you are regularly getting enough sleep, they should be unnecessary. sleep center I gave up my alarm clock years ago and now use a sun alarm clock.
To be continued.... sleep center