tiredI've had friends suggest all sorts of things, up to and including going to a Sleep Clinic. I do know, however, that if I go to my Health Care Provider, the first things they'll ask about are the basics, the stuff you always see in those "Top 10 Tips For A Better Night's Sleep" articles. And lately I've been lax in my Sleep Hygiene* protocols. So the first thing they'd have me do is work on those, and I know what they are, so I should actually do them, and see what happens. If I follow them rigorously for a while and things don't get better, then maybe it's time to Consult the Experts.
For example:
- Engage in sustained periods of vigorous to strenuous exercise three to five times a week, early in the day.
- Reduce or eliminate consumption of foods that interfere with sleep, such as caffeine, wheat, alcohol and dairy products.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule and bedtime routine.
- Reduce Candidas levels in my system.
- Get exposure to bright light right after waking up in the morning.
From UofMaryland Medical Center:
"Some patients find it useful to visualize something boring. This may be a particularly boring teacher or lecturer, co-worker or friend."
Visualize a conversation with your Most Boring Friend? How crushing would that be to have a friend tell you "Yeah, I just imagine you in bed, and Bam! I'm out like a light!"
That's all for now.
Wait, one more thing: I like pie!
* No, that's not like showering before going to bed, it's about adhering to behaviors that promote restful sleep. Although sometimes that does mean showering before bed.
