So, this month's newsletter I've just finished writing is about sleep, why it's so important, how to get more if you can't sleep well, and what to do to change that inner child's voice who still says "Can't I stay up for just a little longer?" I'll post that article once my newsletter goes out later this week.
In the meantime, I thought that these online articles about some other topics surrounding sleep were interesting and downright hilarious.
The first article discusses the ranking of sleep versus sex for hotel guests. In 2009 Westin Hotels and Resorts asked 12,500 frequent travelers of ten countries to rank the importance of things to do when checking into a hotel. On average, 51 percent chose sleep over sex. In 1999, the Westin did a similar study and found only 31 percent chose sleep over sex. http://www.nowpublic.com/health/great-sex-vs-good-sleep
A similar question was asked of new parents, "Is sleep the new sex?" http://lifestyle.ca.msn.com/family-parenting/moms-dads/rogers-article.aspx?cp-documentid=24238022
What are your tips on how to improve sleep?
6 comments:
I think these are the most important things to a better sleep:
- pitch black: tape over standby lights, get black out curtains
- the Canadian Cancer Society has two interesting findings: one that nurses on shift work are more likely to get breast cancer and second, they list electronic devices that create a power field as likely carcinogens in their annual PDF. Move alarm clocks away from your head or use a sml rechargable battery one.
- melatonin is a hormone available over the counter and has anti-cancer properties. I take 3mg every other night. Suzanne Sommers takes a crazy amount - something like 20!
- take your calcium/mag before bed, but not your vit C
and lastly...
Find ways to get your kids to sleep through and your husband to get up quietly if he has to wake before you!
I have challenges sleeping (as do many of us it seems). My husband snores. He says I snore too, but it is his word against mine. However, that aside, I have a strategy to protect myself. It is out of order (I follow steps 3 to 1 in that order), but are listed in order of novelty.
1) Technology! I have a great little pillow that I found (I think) in Home Outfitters, so it may be at the Bay as well. I don't recall the brand, but it is a full-size pillow that supports my neck well as I sleep. The only difference from my other pillows is that there is a little wire sticking out of one of the corners for my iPod! Loaded into that iPod is zen relaxation music, ocean sounds, Enya and a Science of Sleep CD that I received from Melissa as a wedding gift. (Thanks Melissa - I LOVE it!)
2) I have super high quality ear plugs. They took a bit to get used to, but I was committed. Within minutes of deciding that the suction-type seal is actually ok (it cuts out almost all noise), I was asleep. I recommend them. You can get them at: http://www.earplugsonline.com/u-
snore.html The website looks a little unprofessional, but I have ordered twice and a friend ordered once. We receive the shipment quickly and they are definitely worth the money!
3) Before the ear plugs and plugging in my pillow for soothing tunes vibrating through the pillow into my brain, I use good old-fashioned relaxation techniques. No talking about work in bed, we read non-work related books, cuddle and many times listen to a quiet CD. Once my eyes begin to droop, the light goes off and I most often drift asleep.
Works for me! I would love to hear other people's ideas as well. This is a great topic!
Cara
What are my simple solutions for a better sleep? Keeping distractions to a minimum. Electronics are out - no phone, no tv and a clock that only lights up to show the time when I press a button. I have blackout liner on the drapes to make the room darker and cooler (great when you have migraines as well). My bedding is big, soft and comfortable for me to sleep in. I also keep the room as clean and dust free as possible – less allergy/sneezing and I’m not distracted by any messiness that might get me up and moving – which would keep me from sleeping.
Surfette, are you in or near Vancouver? I had offered a gift prize to one person who commented on my post to win one of my favourite DVDs. I have "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", "The Secret", and "The 11th Hour, produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio". Go to the contact page of activetcm.com to send me your contact details so that we can arrange your pick up or delivery.
I am 58 years old and have had problems sleeping my whole life. I purchased the sleep secret audio and it really works. Have been using it for nearly a year now and works night after night, better than any sleeping pill I've ever taken. I would have never believed it but tried it and it certainly did the trick! Here's the link:
www.sleepsecretaudio.com
Great newsletter and blog on sleep. I have struggled most of my life with staying up waaaaay too late and then having trouble waking up. A couple things that have helped me:
- tempurpedic pillow (the one with the gradual slope): this has changed the restfulness of my sleep massively. I wake up and feel refreshed and the blankets aren't tossed about.
- reducing tv/computer before bed: while my body and eyes are tired, it keeps my brain going
- laying still: this seems so simple yet when I finally lie still, I usually fall asleep pretty quickly.
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