Wouldn't You Love to Sleep Like a Baby?

Waking up in the middle of the night...watching the clock? Wouldn't you LOVE to sleep like a baby?!

Insomnia is a major problem in the U.S. It’s estimated that 60 million Americans have sleep difficulties and a large percentage of them are women.

Does this sound familiar?

You get off to bed around 10 or 11pm and by 2am, you wake up and lie there wide-awake watching the clock, dreading the start of your day because you know you’re going to feel exhausted!!!

At one time or another, this happens to every one of us. But for some, it becomes a habit. Women are more susceptible because of their tendency to multi-task and worry. Add in hormonal issues, chemical changes due to monthly cycles or menopause and it seems women get the double end of the insomnia stick.

What can you do about it?

First, it’s important to evaluate your lifestyle choices and the events that lead up to going to bed. For example, are you falling asleep with the TV on or a tablet in your lap? Did you indulge in a late afternoon latte or doughnut? Did you eat late or eat too much at dinner? Are you taking time out during the day for self-care and breaks at work? Are you constantly on your cell phone or other technology throughout the day?

Your Energy Field Polarity Could be Out of Balance

You are a walking, talking, rechargeable battery. Just like a battery, we have both positive and negative energies flowing through our bodies, our organs, nervous system, our minds and this all affects our emotions and how we feel. When your magnetic energy field is off balance, your body/mind doesn’t function as well as it should, which could lead to sleep disruption.

Also, we’re beginning to find out that carrying a mobile device while walking actually disables the regular balance of your magnetic energy field, causing you to feel disconnected and sluggish. So put the phone down and read on, unless you’re reading this on your mobile device!

Although there isn’t one cure for insomnia there are some things you can do to make sleep better! I often share with my clients that it’s important to take a time out during the day to “smell the roses.” In other words, take your mind away from work and the list of things to do and spend 15-30 minute in nature just “chillin’.”

Take Your Shoes Off, Feet on the Grass and Just Breathe

Remember that scene in the movie, Pretty Woman, where Julia Roberts makes Richard Gere take off his shoes and walk on the grass? This is actually not a bad idea. Connect with the energy of Mother Earth and you may find yourself feeling more grounded.

Put your phone down, take a walk and listen to the birds, the sounds of nature, breathe deeply, enjoy the sun on your face or just observe the snow and rain.

Here are some important steps to start curbing your insomnia:

1. Turn off all technology at least 15 minutes prior to going to bed. Never watch TV or use your laptop or other mobile device in your bedroom. Also, television has a great deal of lights, sounds and other stimulating effects that keep your brain from slowing down.

2. Also, if you are watching commercial television, the advertisements are designed to program you to buy their products. Pay attention to how many food ads are running every time you watch TV!!! You don’t want that in your brain!!!

3. Get at least 30 minutes of exercise every single day. Rotate from more challenging workouts to taking a nice walk. Incorporate 15 minutes of pure stretching each day, preferably in the evening.

4. Avoid caffeine after 9am. If you must drink caffeine, limit it to the mornings and switch to non-caffeinated herbal teas. WARNING: This means sodas too. Sugar and carbonation are like toxic poison to the system and can keep you up at night.

5. Keep a list. It may be helpful to keep a paper and pen by your bed or with you. Whenever something comes up that you need to take care of later, write it down. This will allow your mind to let it go for now so it doesn’t try to creep in while it’s sleep time. You know your list is there and ready for you tomorrow, so there’s no need for senseless worrying and thinking about it at night.

6. Meditate: There are a variety of wonderful audios available for every personality. I personally enjoy Transcendental Meditation, but guided imagery journeys to your favorite beach or mountain retreat can be very effective in sending you off into dreamland. Don’t forget the power of breathing. Use breathwork to relax the body, quiet the mind and lull you into a gentle sleepiness.

7. Program your subconscious mind to wake you up at the same time every day. This can be accomplished with self-hypnosis. Avoid using an alarm clock! I know….you have to be ready for work on time. The problem with alarm clocks is they shock the brain and your consciousness to the awake state too quickly which may make you feel like you’re ½ asleep all day. According to the book: Super Brain, Deepak Chopra, M.D. and Rudolph E. Tanzi, PhD, Professor of Neurology at Harvard Medical School, waking up with an alarm clock is detrimental to the natural processes of your brain and can leave you feeling dazed and confused and even in a hyper state of anxiety.

8. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Only consume filtered water with natural electrolytes. Staying hydrated supports the body and nervous system to rest.

9. DO NOT OVEREAT! Consuming too much or heavy food prior to bed can cause a feeling of restlessness and discomfort that could interfere with restful sleep. Eat a light meal of vegies or salad early in the evening and then stop eating!!!

10. Take a walk after dinner is a great way to wind down. Or, do some Tai Chi or yoga with your sweetie and I highly recommend foot rubs!!!

11. Take a bath or shower prior to settling in. This will cleanse your body and your bio-electric energy field of the constant barrage of stress, negative thinking, EMFs, and chaotic emotions we come into contact with almost on a daily basis, bringing your energy back to a peaceful state of neutral.

We live in a world of constant information and input on every level, physically, emotionally, mentally, psychically and spiritually. Add in technology and electromagnetic fields everywhere and it’s no wonder we’re stressed and can’t sleep.

Getting rest is the most important thing you can do for yourself and your loved ones. Most people need 8-9 hours of sleep each night to be fully functional throughout the day. Less sleep has been shown to cause mental and physical impairment similar to drinking an alcoholic beverage. Take the time to take care of yourself and get a full restful night of sleep.

And last, but certainly not least: The Power of Prayer – Whatever your spiritual background, it can be very helpful to give thanks for all the blessings in your life, however big or small they may be and to hand your worries over to the higher power. You’ve heard the saying: “Let Go and Let God.” There’s a lot of power in releasing the mundane to something bigger than ourselves and falling asleep with faith and trust…tomorrow is another day and everything seems better after a good night's sleep!