How are you Sleeping?

 “The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night’s sleep.” ~ E. Joseph Cossman

 Stress and anxiety can negatively impact the quality of our sleep.

 Poor sleep can negatively impact our mood and mental health.

 Low mood and mental health can negatively impact . . . everything!

The holiday season plus the continued presence of Covid-19 is definitely increasing stress and anxiety for many people - including me.  Is that stress and anxiety impacting your ability to fall or stay asleep?  Is there anything you can do to help yourself have a better night’s sleep?  ABSOLUTELY!  

Try one of the suggestions below recommended by the American Alliance of Healthy Sleep (AAHS):

1.       Turn off your electronics an hour before you want to go to sleep.

2.       Enjoy a steaming cup of herbal tea before turning in for the night

3.       Listen to relaxing music (however you define relaxing)

4.       Do a deep breathing meditation activity.  You can find several options on YouTube at no cost.

5.       Avoid caffeine 4-6 hours before going to sleep

6.       Exercise on a regular basis

7.       Wear a sleep mask to block out any light.  There are some really cute inexpensive ones out there! 

This final tip is from me - 

8.       After getting into bed, but before laying down write down everything that you are worried or stressed about on a piece of paper.  Set the paper on your nightstand and say to yourself “I am leaving all of my worries and stressors right here where they will stay until I pick them up in the morning.”  

Here is the true key to getting a better night's sleep: If something doesn’t work the first time you try it, don’t panic and give up.  It can take your body several nights to get used to a new routine.  So often we are ready to give up on something before giving it a fair shot.  Commit to trying something for seven nights before moving on to try something else.  

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