Sleep better

By mudlark • January 8th, 2009

When it’s chilly outside and colds are floating around everywhere you go, a good night’s sleep becomes even more important. Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting good shut-eye.

Launder your sheets well. That means once a week in hot water – to get rid of dust mites and any allergens that may have collected. But just as important, be sure you’re using an all-natural detergent with no artificial fragrances. Those fragrances and chemicals are known to cause headaches, respiratory irritation, and more. You spend probably 6-8 hours a day in bed – make sure you aren’t exposing yourself to added chemicals and irritants.
Shower before bed instead of in the morning. Your clothes, hair, and skin collect allergens during the day and those can disturb your sleep.
Adjust your air quality. In cold temps the air is usually dry. Set up a humidifier to counter the dryness. Another idea is to put a pretty bowl full of water and a few drops of essential oils in front of your fireplace. It’ll humidify your air and make your home smell nice too. Pick a good scent and you’ll benefit from aromatherapy.
Ensure a healthy diet. An imbalance in proteins and other minerals and vitamins may keep your body from producing melatonin, which is what helps you fall asleep and stay asleep. If you’re unsure that you’re getting a healthy diet take a multivitamin. But remember, all multivitamins are not created equally. Aim for a reputable company that regularly tests the potency and purity of its ingredients. We recommend Shaklee, but your local health food store can probably recommend others.
Keep the room dark. Extra lights – your alarm clock, street lights, the little light on your laptop or PDA, the little light on the smoke detector… they all add up to bring extra light into your room. And studies show that our bodies need good sleep in a dark room to produce melatonin and keep you healthy. So turn off the lights, turn your alarm clock away from the bed, and if you can’t control other lights in the room, get an eye mask. Your body needs dark at night.
De-stress. There are simple things you can do like a warm bath and cup of hot tea before bed to help you release the stress of the day, and you’ll have to figure out what works best for you. But as far as I see it, the best way to de-stress is to look at life in perspective. Sure, the economy is tanking. Sure, I may have rethink my lifestyle. But that has no significance to my value system and the things I consider most important. Consider what your strongest values are, and don’t sweat the small stuff.

Sleep better and you’ll benefit from more energy, a stronger immune system, better stress-fighting, and all sorts of stuff!

Comments(4) Health

Comments

By Misa on January 16th, 2009 at 1:59 am

Thanks for tip.. This is what I need…

By dr mercola on February 5th, 2009 at 3:24 am

this is a great help for someone like me. i have a hard time going to sleep. i sleep 4 to 5 hours a day. i know it is bad and your article came into the right time.thanks

By Buy Multivitamins on November 10th, 2009 at 7:59 pm

Thanks for the great tips. I never thought of the part about washing your sheets. I will also try the vitamin part because I seem to be tired all of the time.

By Betty Winter on November 24th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

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