Tuesday 11 March 2014

3 tips for better sleep.

Good quality sleep is important to feel well and be able to function properly during the day. I hear so many people say they can't remember things, they loose their temper and even thought they don't like something, can't really be bothered to do anything to change it. These can be a sign of sleep deprivation. When you are well rested, you can think more clearly, plan you day, get things done more quickly and will feel less stressed.

Here are 3 tips to help you get better sleep:
1) Plan your food and drink intake so you are not having coffee, tea, chocolate, coke and other pick me up drinks after 2pm and eat 4h before going to bed.
2) Have a bed time routine, this will train your brain that you are going to be going to bed. Here are some ideas of what your evening could be like: Write down any unfinished business you need to attend to the next day so you can let your brain rest rather than churn over it in bed. Switch off phones, computers and tablets at least 1hr before bed time. Avoid exciting movies just before bed, watch them early and then read for example. Get changed, brush your teeth and keep lights to a minimum (ideal if you have dimmer switches or bed side light.  Do some stretching, relaxing or breathing. (not cardio exercises)
3) If your mind can't switch off you can practice 'square breathing' - breath in for a count of 4 pause for 4 out for 4 and pause for 4 so as you breath you can say in your head in 2,3,4, pause 2,3,4, out 2,3,4, pause 2,3,4, The slower you can count and keep the breathing in that rhythm the better.

This is one of the techniques I teach on my relaxation workshop (see below) and it is available on my relaxation CD designed specifically to help induce sleep.


Here is some more information that might help you:
Read more: March of the Sleep Deprived
Read more on making decisions and habits 

If you would like more help then sign up to my newsletter. You will know when the next relaxation workshop is and my next talk on Body~Mind Coaching  for stress relief using EMDR.  You can watch this video of how EMDR works.
 For one to one sessions contact me.
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What are your sleeping tips?  I would love to know. You can share them anonymously in the comment box.  Look forward to hearing from you.