A Good Sleep

I'm always open to ideas on how to get more restful sleep. My days are always better when I get some good ZZZZzzzzzzz in. Here are some tips from "Real Simple Magazine" with some comments of my own thrown in. Photo:Anita Calero

Light can be a problem.

"Light is a signal to our brains that it's time to be up and at 'em, which is why bright electric bulbs and television and computer screens make it hard for us to get sleepy at bedtime. "Limiting your light exposure in the evening tends to transition you into sleep," says Helene Emsellem, M.D." I've also read somewhere that light in the room while you sleep doesn't allow you to go into as deep of a sleep, and this can disrupt your sleep cycles.

• Seal off your window so light cannot get in


• Use an eye mask


• Turn the light on your alarm clock down so it isn't as bright (even this light can be disruptive)


• Turn off the t.v. before falling asleep

If you can't relax before sleeping:

"After dashing at top speed through a busy day, trying to pack in every last e-mail, phone call, and laundry load, how can anyone expect to jump into bed and immediately nod off? Even when you're relaxed, it typically takes about 20 minutes to fall asleep, says sleep expert James B. Maas."

• Listen to soft music


• Sip warm drinks


• Breathe soothing scents

If Noise Is Keeping You Awake at Night. The key is keeping a steady stream of sound so abrupt noises outside are muffled and don't wake you up.

• Add white noise


• Plug your ears using Earplugs

I also learned in a Psychology stress management class that I took that while lying down; deep, slow, steady, breathing works REALLY well in relaxing your body and helping you unwind for the day so you can fall asleep.

Fun Fact: If you fall asleep within 5 minutes of laying down your body is sleep deprived. Get more sleep!!