Sleep

Innocent sleep. Sleep that soothes away all our worries. Sleep that puts each day to rest. Sleep that relieves the weary laborer and heals hurt minds. Sleep, the main course in life's feast, and the most nourishing.                              ~Shakespeare

Forget the old saying that if you snooze, you lose. It’s thought that good sleep has amazing properties that make you healthier and happier, and can even add years to your life!

In 1988 a groundbreaking study found that switching an uncomfortable old bed to a lovely new one meant an extra 42 minutes of sleep! That will help, especially this weekend, when we "lose" an hour for the annual Daylight Savings Time Springing Forward event this Sunday at 2 am (which becomes 3 am). Here are some tips to get a great night's rest for body, mind, and spirit:

Follow a regular sleep schedule. Go to sleep and get up at the same time each day, even on weekends or when you are traveling.

Avoid napping in the late afternoon or evening...if you can. 

Develop a bedtime routine. Take time to relax before bedtime each night. Some people read a book or soak in a warm bath.

Try not to watch television or use your computer, cell phone, or tablet in the bedroom. Yeah, I know, that's a difficult one. However, the light from these devices may make it difficult for you to fall asleep. And alarming or unsettling shows or movies, like horror movies, may keep you awake.

Keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature...and as quiet and low lit as possible, as you prepare for bed.

Exercise at regular times each day but not within 3 hours of your bedtime.

Avoid eating large meals close to bedtime.

Stay away from caffeine late in the day...that includes chocolate, my friends.

Remember—alcohol won’t help you sleep. Even small amounts make it harder to stay asleep.

Journal. If the day is not calming down, write it down. Vent it out on paper.

The most important things are to be sure to go to sleep without anger and to use some low-volume meditative music to continue the soothed and smooth transition to sleep. Of course, all this is after you've prepared your mind with the Affirmative Incantation of the week. Where we focus our mind is what we will think about as we refresh the body, mind, and spirit. Join the UK in its National Sleep Month to refresh your best sleeping habits. And remember this Saturday, before you go to sleep to...