Unfortunately, I am an expert at not getting any rest. It started when I was pregnant. I would wake up at 2 or 3 a.m. and would not fall back asleep until it was time to get ready for work. I will admit, this week the homestead is a bit of a mess. I just don't have enough energy get everything done! Work is a beast and I am spent. So why am I still up???????????????????
Getting good rest is a tip I gave in 11 Ways to Eliminate Stress Naturally. I admit......this tip I rarely fulfill although I know the importance of it.
In the book Back to Eden the author lists ways to relax yourself before bed to ensure a better nights sleep and herbs that can assist.
- Hops
- Motherwort
- Mullein
- Peppermint
The book Digestive Wellness (A Bunch of Papers Put Together for the Journey) also cites a set of herbs to enhance sleep:
- Chamomile
- Valerian root
I will add lavender essential oil or a sleep sachet to the mix.
We give Caleb Chamomile tea almost every night before bed occasionally jazzed up with peppermint. During the months when sleep was really a luxury (do to the eczema woes) we tried giving him diluted Valerian root tea.
Both references site very similar tips on how to get a good night's sleep.
- One hour before bed, turn off all your gadgets (2)
- Go to bed at the same time each night (2)
- Don't push yourself to keep going after your steam levels have been depleted. Stop and rest! (1,2)
- Exercise during the day (1)
- Make sure your bed is just right (not too soft, not too hard) (1)
- Try to go to bed on an empty stomach ( I am guilty of late night snacking!!) (1)
- Purposefully relax your muscles, try deep breathing, listen to music or read a book (1, 2)
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| This child is knocked out! This is my goal! |
So instead of pushing myself to the limit...eating snacks...getting aggravated at what has not been done yet...I AM GOING TO SLEEP TONIGHT! I will miss my favorite show....but there is always abc.com and Hulu!!
I must start doing what I know to be right concerning getting more quality rest. It's the only way for me be in my right mind, heal, and be effective during the day. I almost fell asleep on my keyboard today at work!!! Yikes!
I want to hear back from you! Do you have any "good night" tips? Please add them to the list!!
Good Night!
Peace and blessings!
References for this post:
1 - Back to Eden - Jethro Kloss
2 - Digestive Wellness - Elizabeth Lipski
If you go to bed earlier, you will actually
ReplyDeleteSleep better and longer. I can never do this consistently. Most times I go to bed between 11 and 12 am. My sleep is a bit restless and I tend to wake up around 3 am and again 5am. Needless to say, I can hardly get up when the alarm goes off. I have to get up at 6 am so this crazy pattern is very irritating.
I found that when I go to bed at 10 pm, after a few days, I actually sleep a lot more sound, do not wake during the night and I am ready to get up when the alarm goes off at 6 am.
For me, I have to make it a habit to go to bed at 10 pm. Once my body adjust, I feel better, think better, have more patience and all that other good stuff. I think that getting good sleep is a discipline and take commitment and tenacity to get back on the right track when we get offer to even start getting better sleep.
I guess good sleep habits like anything else take time to cultivate and consistency is key. I agree with you totally! I really have to start making some changes...especially now that Caleb is pretty much sleeping through the night and goes down by 9 at the latest...I just fill the time I should be sleeping with things I didn't do during the day. The balance can be tough when you do not work in the home....and you don't see your kids until evening. I know I feel so much better when I'm well rested! More pleasant, can think clearer....and I have way more patience like you mentioned. Thanks for the tips Big Sis K!
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