The Sleep Secret

TGIF!!!!! Thank God It’s Friday!

Although we are all pretty thankful that Friday is here, and the work week is over, (for most folks), remember; sleep loss, and insomnia never take a day off. Oops, I guess that should be “Sleep loss and insomnia never take a night off.”

Anyways, I hope that these sleep tips that we have given out during Sleep Awareness Week have helped you out.

Here are today’s tips:

No Lights: Remember that a dark bedroom can help your body “know” it’s time for rest. Light triggers a lot in us and is associated with our waking hours. To help the body adjust to a regular sleep cycle, make an effort to distinguish between daytime and bedtime.

When it’s time to sleep, keep light sources to a minimum, including when you get up to go to the bathroom. As with a TV, computer, or video game, you’ll want to avoid anything that can stimulate your brain or body out of rest. Even if your eyes are closed, light in your bedroom can disrupt your sleep.

Sleep  Habit : Don’t Go Back for Seconds! It’s a Thanksgiving ritual for many – stuff yourself so full you have no choice but to waddle down the hall and flop into bed for a nap.

But eating too much – especially near bedtime – can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule.  Being overly stuffed with food can make sleeping uncomfortable, and if you’re one of the unlucky ones to suffer from indigestion, it can be a painful experience, too.  Instead, eat just enough to quell your hunger and go to bed satisfied, but not distressed.

Throughout Sleep Awareness Week this year, we have given out many valuable, and I truly hope life changing tips.

If these steps are taken, in addition to noise reduction and a few other considerations, such as making a separate sleeping area for pets (that are used to sleeping with you) – then you should be on your way to eliminating some of the factors that may have been contributing to your persistent sleep problems.

I look forward to hearing all the positive results you have made in your life.

Thomas “Trapper” Sherwood; CMH
Certified Master Hypnotist
http://www.sleepsecretaudio.com

Ok, I admit it, I’ve done this one! Read on as I am sure you have too.

Welcome to day four of Sleep Awareness Week!

Keep the Clock Out of Sight: If you can, try to keep your clock out of sight. Set your alarm and then put it somewhere else or turn it away from you – out of your general view. For instance, instead of having the clock on the nightstand, put it on the dresser in the far corner.

If a clock is visible, you may find yourself staring at it or waking up periodically to look at it. If you’re making an effort to create a good sleep environment, it means that you’re aware of an impairment.

If you’re trying to break the cycle of sleeplessness, then it’s important that you don’t focus on time. Seeing how early it is or how little time has passed, can only lead to frustration.

FYI… I don’t even have a clock in my bedroom anymore, and since “Throwing it out” a couple of years ago, I get a much better night’s sleep.

Sleep Habit: No Napping! Just as eating in between meals ruins your appetite, napping between deep sleep can prevent many sleep disorder sufferers from being able to fall asleep and get a full night’s rest.

For some, a nap is just the medicine they need to re-energize for the day, but if you’re suffering from sleep deprivation, a nap may cause more harm than good.  Even though in the beginning you may feel extremely sleepy, try to save your slumber for the middle of the night and not for a mid-day luxury.

OK! We are heading into the last day of Sleep Awareness Week tomorrow. Please join us again.

I look forward to receiving your comments with your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Thomas “Trapper” Sherwood; CMH
Certified Master Hypnotist
http://www.sleepsecretaudio.com

Greetings to the “Hump Day” edition of Sleep Awareness Week!

The first tip today may sound like a very simple one concerning sleep and insomnia related issues, but many times it is over looked.

Comfortable Bed: One symptom of a sleep disorder or impairment is tossing and turning during the night, and one reason you may be restless is because your mattress is uncomfortable.

As with most anything in life, what’s “right” for you (and your back, your posture, your comfort) is specific to your body. However, research has shown that supple mattresses may be more conducive to a good night’s rest versus a firmer one.

Definitely avoid sleeping on a lumpy mattress if it can be helped. A new mattress may be in order if you’ve outgrown your current one, either in size or comfort.  If you have a spouse who prefers a different type of mattress, consider getting the type of bed where each of you set the mattress to your perfect number.

Sleep Habit: Move Your Body Toward Sleep! Exercise may be the medicine you need to engage in a deep slumber tonight.  Insomnia occurs less frequently in those who exercise on a regular basis for at least 20-30 minutes a day.

You don’t want to exercise near bedtime, but in the morning or afternoon instead.  Studies have shown that many sedentary individuals who suffered from insomnia found their sleep disorder disappeared once they began an exercise regimen.

When you exercise, you’re relieving tension and increasing your body’s production of endorphins.  You don’t have to exercise vigorously – a moderate walk is enough to aid you in your quest for sleep.

That’s all the Sleep Awareness Week Tips for today, join us again tomorrow!

As always, thanks for reading, and please, leave us your comments.

Thomas “Trapper” Sherwood; CMH
Certified Master Hypnotist
http://www.sleepsecretaudio.com

PS….follow me on twitter  http://www.twitter.com/trappersherwood or http://www.twitter.com/sleepsecret

Welcome to Tuesday,  and your Sleep Awareness Week Tip for today

Ideal Temperature: When creating a good sleep environment, you need to make sure you minimize any discomfort. Being too cold or too hot can disrupt a comfortable sleep and once disrupted (for a person with a sleep disorder) it may be difficult to get back into a deep slumber.

Keeping the room at a constant, ideal temperature will help you get and stay asleep. While it’s debatable as to what the best temperature is, it can be agreed upon that anything about 75 degrees Fahrenheit is too warm and anything below 54 degrees, too cold.

Try a median between 60–70 degrees (65) as a compromise, but the deciding factor should be you personally and what you find to be “ideal.”  If you keep kicking the covers off or shivering yourself awake, adjust the temperature until it’s just right – and make note of what that number is for you.

Your two for Tuesday Sleep Habit tip is:

Sleep  Habit : Just Say “No” to Stimulants! You might recognize you have trouble sleeping, but don’t even think that 24-ounce Coca Cola you had at 9 PM could be the cause.

Caffeine, as well as other stimulants like electronic gadgets (video games, Television, and the Internet) can all contribute to your sleeplessness.  Avoid products like alcohol, tobacco, chocolate, and sodas during the evening hours – save them for the daytime when you’re telling your body it’s okay to be alert and awake.

That’s all for Sleep Awareness Week Tips for today

Tomorrow is “Hump Day” join us for more tips!

Thomas “Trapper” Sherwood; CMH
Certified Master Hypnotist
http://www.sleepsecretaudio.com