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During this busy holiday season give yourself the gift of sleep. Getting enough sleep will keep you energized,both physically and mentally, for the demands of the season. Getting adequate sleep keeps you emotionally balanced, too. How do you ensure that you are getting enough sleep?

For starters, sleep when you are sleepy. Sounds basic, but most of us do not allow ourselves to sleep until the evening meal is eaten, dishes cleaned, homework supervised, children put to bed, the cat let out and news watched.

If at all possible, take a nap when you are sleepy. Stretch out on the sofa in the break room or lean back in your chair. The mind goes into sleep mode more effectively if the body is horizontal on a soft surface.

My grandfather always took a "beauty" nap every day; he said it improved his outlook on the world. The naps never interfered with his nighttime sleep patterns.

I am doing a nap experiment on my own by taking a nap every day. I go to sleep quicker and stay asleep longer on the days when I take a nap.

Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning. Consistency promotes easier, restful sleep.

Avoid caffeine after dinner as caffeine disrupts the sleep cycle.Do not exercise in the two hours before bedtime. Taking warm bath before bedtime promotes sleep, but a hot bath may actually keep you awake .

Light reading: romantic fiction, poetry, and humor collections may promote sleep. Avoid espionage thrillers, murder mysteries and crossword puzzles before bedtime.The concentration required to process these types of reading will keep you awake.

Rub aromatic lotions, chamomile and lavendar scented perhaps, on your hands before crawling into bed. The scent is a natural sleep inducer.

Above all, don't worry about whether you are getting enough sleep. Worrying about sleep is a guarantee that you will not sleep.

Turn out the lights and shut the door. Make your room is as dark as possible. If the dial on the alarm clock is too bright, turn it to the wall or stuff the clock under the bed.

Learn more about this author, Nita Frazier.
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