Rest

Rest 

Why is rest and sleep such an important part of our life? It is the time that our body repairs itself. Sleep deprivation means that every functioning part of your body is not running as it should be. It could be that many health problems can be resolved simply by developing healthy sleep habits!

Create a Sleep Schedule

The body craves routine and the recommended number of sleep hours for healthy adults is seven hours. So look over your schedule and find a time that will work at least 95% of the time. For example, if you don’t get off work until 8:00 in the evening, your bedtime will most likely than those who get off earlier in the day. 

Give care to what you eat and drink

It’s all about the balance you want to go to bed full, but not overstuffed. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol are always a problem. You may get to sleep faster and expect to disturb your sleep later in the day. Avoiding it at least three hours before your bedtime would be best.

Manage Concerns

Shutting down the mind is one of the toughest things for some to accomplish. Here are some suggestions. Make a list of things you have no control over and choose to let it go. (My husband actually burns the list he makes right before bed!)

Find a short meditation you can listen to relax your mind and set the focus on rest instead of concerns.

Boost Your Physical Day Time Activity

Moderate exercise makes for a great sleep routine. So use those muscles during the day and they will be ready to rest at night. Something as simple as two 15 minute walks can make a big difference. 

Create a Restful Environment

Dark, quiet and cool are what the experts suggest for the perfect sleeping environment. It took me sometime to get used to cool, dark and quiet, for years I tried to fall asleep with a television. When I finally the made the switch after about two weeks it made a huge difference.

If none of these work for you it’s probably time to have a check up with your doctor and see if there are other options.

Wishing you a good night’s rest.