Home Page > Change Your Life > Get More Sleep

We all know how important sleep is, but do we really get enough? Being well rested not only improves our ability to think and function properly, it also benefits our hearts. In US News, the Journal of the American Medical Association discovered that longer sleep for people in their 30s and 40s may prevent heart disease.  You know the benefits of a full night’s rest, but how do make yourself fall asleep and stay asleep the entire night? Here are some helpful tips for a good night’s sleep:

1. No TV right before bed. It is too stimulating to the brain and makes it harder to fall asleep.
2. Sleep in total darkness or as close to dark as you can get your bedroom. Melatonin (the body’s natural sleep aid) will decrease production when there is light present.
3. Avoid bedtime and late night snacks. Eating right before bed raises blood sugar levels causing the body to stay awake longer.
4. Wear socks to bed. The feet get cold before the rest of the body due to poor circulation and this can lead to waking up during the night.
5. Listen to a relaxation CD. White noise helps to calm the body and is soothing for sleep.

Follow these tips and make the change to get more sleep!

What changes are you making to get more sleep this year? Shout back at us and tell us about your goals, your hopes and your dreams for 2009.

Click here to spread the word and share this web site with your friends and family.