By David Peel
It is said that, “takers eat well; but givers sleep well.”
You might need more than just a generous spirit to get a full night’s sleep.
Here are some medication-free ideas to help you rest better:
1. Drown out the sounds with White noise. While most recommend sleeping in a quiet environment, I find that that is not only rare, it’s not restful. You will find many people sleeping with box fans, even in the dead of winter. Often, they have gotten used to that hum. But there are now phone apps like Sleep Machine that allow you to customize sounds to help tune out ringing in your ears, or other bothersome noise.
2. Block all the light with a Sleep mask. Modern versions are far more comfortable than old versions, and assure complete personal darkness.
3. Cool the room down. If you ever camped, you wanted to stay all cozied down in the sleeping bag on those frosty mornings.
4. No blue light. Avoid computer, TV, and phone screens, or anything else that’s stimulating and could lead to becoming more awake. If you must be on your phone, set it to a mode that blocks the blue light (called “night shift” on iphone).
5. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine. Consuming caffeine, alcohol, and nicotine can affect your ability to fall asleep and the quality of your sleep, even if they’re used earlier in the day. Remember, caffeine can stay in your body for up to 6-12 hours.
6. Be physically tired from moving or exercise.
7. Be mentally tired from reading or work.
8. Be spiritually content.
One note is that hospitals will tell you that sleep is very important, and that when you are a patient, good sleep is absolutely impossible. They have carts running up and down the hallway that must have one square wheel to bounce and rattle and squeak, PA announcements and constant interruptions.
Peel seeks justice for those injured in tractor trailer and car accidents, medical malpractice, and disability. He often addresses churches, clubs and groups without charge. Peel may be reached through PeelLawFirm.com wherein other articles may be accessed.
