TIP OF THE DAY - FRIDAY

STILL CAN'T SLEEP? FOLLOW YOUR NOSE... Some fragrances may affect mood and promote health. Lavender and chamomile scents can be soothing and relaxing. Try scented candles, body wash, or room spray before bedtime.
When I was in Colorado almost 8 years ago now, I discovered some lavender lotion at Walmart. After a nice hot shower I just apply the lotion to arms and legs and and have a cup of hot chicken soup and crawl into bed and it usually works unless of course Calvin is gone. Try this tip and see if your don't sleep better.

TIP OF THE DAY - THURSDAY

EXERCISE REGULARLY. Following a consistent exercise program can help you increase your energy levels during the day, improve your mood and regulate your sleeping patterns at night.
A reminder from tips past...DON'T exercise within 3-4 hours of going to bed. It does not work. If you can't sleep at night the last thing you will need just before bed is more energy. Exercise first thing in the morning, but remember if it has been a while since you last exercised start small and work up to longer and more intense exercises.

TIP OF THE DAY - WEDNESDAY

THINK POSITIVE... A pessimistic outlook can significantly increase your risk of insomnia. People who focus on the positive tend to sleep better and experience better health in general.
I have heard this many times in the past. It is like do you see the glass half full or half empty? This is easier said than done, but is something we all should work on everyday. We want to be happy because if we are happy we really be healthier and sleep better.

TIP OF THE DAY - TUESDAY

ANOTHER WEEK OF TIPS FOR GETTING A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP... Exercise in the morning. Working out within three or four hours of bedtime can make it harder to fall asleep. Try morning or afternoon workouts instead.
I have had a week off from exercising just because of a very bad and painful knee and I must admit it was nice to exercise this morning. I didn't exercise but about 25 minutes, but it sure felt good doing some exercise. I just don't want to overdo it. Try exercising in the morning and see if you don't sleep better tomorrow night.

TIP OF THE DAY - MONDAY

GETTING A BETTER NIGHT'S SLEEP BY TALKING TO YOUR DOCTOR... Lifestyle changes alone may help you sleep better, but talk with your health care provider if you continue to experience problems.
This tip seems to be one that sparkpeople recommends often. If you can't sleep see a doctor, if you aren't losing weight, see a doctor, if you aren't getting enough work done during the day, see a doctor. Then the doctors will prescribe a pill or two. Try everything you can on your own, do some research online for some home cures, talk to family and friends and in my opinion, as a last result if you really think there is a medical reason that you can't sleep then see a doctor.

TIP OF THE DAY - SUNDAY

BE PRODUCTIVE... If thinking keeps you up at night, get out of bed and deal with those thoughts in a positive way-pay that bill or make a to-do list, for an example. Go back to bed when you are ready to sleep.
This was my problem last week. Calvin was gone and I just couldn't sleep. I went to bed and laid there for half an hour and didn't go to sleep so I got up and made a quilt block and went to bed and tried again. This went on from about 10PM on Monday night until 4PM Tuesday morning and was repeated again Tuesday night. I did get lots of quilt blocks finished but not much sleep. When I did go to sleep it was very restful.

TIP OF THE DAY - SATURDAY

GO TO BED EARLIER. As simple as it seems, going to bed earlier can help you get the sleep your body craves. Even if you don't feel tired, try lying down about an hour earlier until you get a full 7-8 hours each night.
I am not sure how this would work, but it is sure worth a try if you are not getting the sleep your body needs. You can't lose weight, exercise, and do your best if you are tired.