by Kimberly Shreffler

Created on: November 08, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The holidays are a busy time for all of us. There is always so much to do to get ready for the big day. Adding all that into an already stressful schedule can leave one feeling run down, and suffering from lack of sleep.

It is important to try to stick to your sleep schedule. We all have an internal body clock that helps us regulate when to go to bed and when to wake. If we get the clock off balance, our body misses its natural cues to fall asleep. This can lead to your sleep being shorter and less restful.

Also, avoid daytime napping. This takes nighttime slumber hours away. If you must nap, keep it short no longer than twenty minutes. Longer naps just leave you feeling more tired and rundown.

Try a nice soak in a warm bath. You can light some candles, which will provide a relaxed atmosphere. This all helps to relieve tension in the muscles, which will help you body feel relaxed and ready for sleep.

You should avoid eating before bed. It is best to eat two hours before sleep; this allows you body to digest. It would be difficult to sleep with your stomach working away. This could also cause indigestion, leaving you to battle your belly all night.

Most all of us rely on caffeine to get us through the day, but too much of it will keep us awake at night. If you need it in the morning try to cut if off around lunch time this way it has time to work its way out of your system. You should avoid alcohol as well. We all know it does help you fall asleep but it causes you to wake during to night from withdrawals, and gives you nightmares.

Sometimes our body is tired, yet our minds are very awake. We need to relax it also. Reading a good book is a way to focus your mind off your worries, as you read your mind will start to wind down.

One of the most important things is your sleeping environment make sure you have a comfortable bed and pillows. A cooler bedroom is better. It would be definitely harder to sleep in a stuffy, hot environment. Your sleeping environment should be for that only. Do not use your bed to pay bills or balance your bank account. That way your mind will not associate the bedroom with anything but sleep. Finally make sure your room is dark and quiet. This aids you in letting your worries and anxieties go, so you can fall asleep, and stay asleep.

A restful night's sleep is truly very important for our mental and physical health. It gives our bodies time heal and minds time to rest. Try some of these tips; you will wake feeling refreshed and ready for another day.

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