Restless Nights

Do you have trouble sleeping or staying asleep at night? Then you are experiencing a sleep deprivation—INSOMNIA!

Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterized by the inability to fall asleep and/or the inability to remain asleep for a reasonable amount of time. Insomniacs have been known to complain about being unable to close their eyes or "rest their mind" for more than a few minutes at a time.

Sleep patterns and mood are intimately related. Sleep deprivation makes us irritable and depressed. Many of us become so desperate to get a good night's sleep that we resort to medications. But is that really necessary? Perhaps the best medicine of all is to really start listening to your body instead of working against its needs.

Here are some tips to have a good night sleep…

1. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco in any form, four to six hours before bed time.

2. Avoid heavy meal in the evening, but a light snack before bedtime may induce sleeping.

3. Avoid vigorous exercise before bedtime.

4. Go to bed only when feeling sleepy.

5. Practice relaxation technique.

6. Take a warm bath.

7. Keep regular bedtime hours.

8. Avoid naps longer than 30 minutes in the afternoon.

9. Listen to music.

10. Avoid illuminated bedrooms.