What is Your Sleep Number?

A good night's sleep is paramount to a healthy life.

These are some guidelines that I've found help me. Before using these techniques, I felt tired every morning, even if I'd been in bed 10 hours. I wake up to turn myself every two to three hours naturally. If I fall asleep right after the turn, it'll help, but some night's it seems I have insomnia.

1. Avoid over arousal/stimulation 1-2 hours before bed. This includes TV, computer and telephone.

2. Get into a a Pre-Bedtime Routine. This way, your body becomes used to going to bed after you're done.

3. Avoid Hunger and Satiety* - In other words, don't go to bed either too empty or too full. 

4. Associate the Bedroom with Sleep - Don't eat in bed, don't watch TV in bed (etc.). Reading is okay.

5. Put a Worry Book next to the bed - If you are troubled by anything, write it down, thereby getting it out of your head.

*The condition of being full or gratified beyond the point of satisfaction. 

developed by Taylor Isaacs

Two books I've read that are good sources of information if you're an insomniac: No More Sleepless Nights by Peter Hauri and Shirley Linde, and Say Goodnight to Insomnia by Gregg Jacobs.

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