7 Ways to Get a Good Night's Sleep

Every day there were new things to add my already excessive to-do list, and the first things that suffered were nutrition and that eight-hour sleep I once enjoyed many years ago.
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Sometimes we learn what's important in life from difficult experiences. One day, that wakeup call came with a blood test. My cholesterol levels were extremely high in all categories, which meant a trajectory for heart disease.

At first, I couldn't get a good night's sleep. I was fretting over how to lower my cholesterol. It was difficult to pay attention to the right food when trying to balance work and family. Every day there were new things to add my already excessive to-do list, and the first things that suffered were nutrition and that eight-hour sleep I once enjoyed many years ago.

It was time to find ways to slow down this crazy pace of life and have a better night's sleep. If you're finding yourself sleep-deprived, here are seven things that help you get the sleep you need.

1. Spend more time with friends and family.

Downtime periods and socializing help from information overload and create a more balanced day.

2. Meditate.

Meditation is definitely something you need to tune in, but when you do, you may find that it quietens the mind and releases negative thoughts you might have been holding unto. The key is to not judge your "monkey mind" especially at the end of a busy workday.

Sprinkle them on sheets and in the bathwater for a more calming and soothing me. I took the advice from this article and even started whiffing it here and there for a mood booster.

4. Shop around for a new box spring mattress or air mattress.

Could it be that your body might be suffering from an uncomfortable mattress? Many models of luxury air mattresses can be super comfortable, are less expensive and just might provide the support that you need.

5. Avoid eating too late.

Late meals can lead to indigestion and stomach problems. Try finishing dinner about 3-4 hours before your scheduled sleep.

6. Tell your family how much you love them.

Not only is it a great way to sum up your day, it also gives you the opportunity to express deep emotions that reinforce what you treasure most.

7. Express gratitude in your journal.

There are many benefits to expressing gratitude in your journal to help you stay focused on what's working in your life. This will "trick" your mind to thinking positively.

So there you have it -- seven possibilities to help you get that much needed sleep. Other actions include taking a brisk walk outside and a hot bath followed by meditative-type music -- the more you can help your body relax, the better off you'll be.

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