Sleep issues are something that we all have to deal with from time to time. My own problems with sleep began when I was on chemotherapy, gosh 17 years ago now! And it lingered as a problem for a long time after.
Happily, these days I can usually rely on getting 6-7 hours, and sometimes even 7-8.
My book, which I told you about last time, is much more than simply telling you about what foods to cut out. There are loads of useful tips for living a healthier life. Here are some extracts for you:
“Have you ever had that feeling of wanting to be IN bed, but you’re too tired to GO to bed? If you’re in for the evening, get ready for bed sooner, then it’s done. When you are ready for bed, you can simply slide in with minimal fuss.
Before going to bed, aim to limit or even avoid the blue light of your computer screen, mobile devices and television for at least 1, if not 2 hours. Blue Light is for mornings, for waking you up to be alert! By the evening your body wants to be relaxing in the warm glow of the fireside… which you can mimic with draping a red cloth over your lamps. Remember, red lights are for stopping – in more ways than one.
Have a quiet potter, do some gentle tidying up. Walking into a calm clean kitchen in the morning really sets you up for the day.
Meditate – even 30 seconds of closed eyes and stillness can make a big difference to our stress levels.
Journal – Telling the story of the day, even in brief notes, helps to “put it to bed” as the saying goes.
Do some slow gentle stretching, or simple balancing exercises, such as standing on one leg while you are brushing your teeth.
If you do like to read before going to bed – DON’T read a thriller, and DON’T read on your phone!
Take a hot bath, or a hot shower, ideally within the hour before going to bed. Even washing your hands and/or feet in hot water will help. Although this warms your skin, it actually lowers your body’s core temperature, which is part of the internal process of heading for sleep.
Supplements that can help with sleep include Magnesium, Vit D3, L-Theanine (which sometimes has lemon balm included) and 5HTP. CBD capsules are also worth a try. Take them about between 30 minutes and an hour before heading for bed.”
I hope these help. And how lovely that the days are getting longer, with even the hint of balmy evenings – whether for sitting out on the patio, or going for an evening walk.
Wishing you good health, and sweet dreams . . .