Upsides to the Down Economy/ A Good Night's Sleep

Getting a good night's sleep- completely free and priceless. I slept well last night, for nine hours, and it feels like a gift. With the present economy- people fearful of losing their jobs, or jobless, worried about making mortgage payments, or in foreclosure, God only knows it is hard to get a good night's sleep. Unfortunately, worrying about things doesn't do anything to make it better. I love this quote by Jesus "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?" Who indeed? Sleeping well will allow you to be more refreshed, creative and able to handle whatever the day's challenges may be.

Here are some tips to get a good night's sleep.

• Establish a routine. Not always easy, especially during the holidays, but try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.


• Exercise during the day (but not right before bedtime). Yoga also can help you get a better night's sleep.


• Establish a routine for bedtime. Wash face, brush and floss teach, put eye cream on.


• A warm bath. My favorite pre-bed ritual. If you add lavender to the bath water, even better.


• Do not watch TV or go on the computer right before bed as it over-stimulates your brain. Although, I have to admit some TV shows put me right to sleep.


• Sleepytime tea from Celestial Seasonings. It really works and now they have an even stronger version (Sleepytime Extra).


• A relaxing CD. They have CD's that play sounds like the ocean, a forest, babbling brook. Play your favorite and imagine you're there.
• Temperature. Studies have shown that people sleep better when they are in a cooler environment, so make sure it is cool enough.
• Make your bed. It sounds silly (thanks Mom) but you really do sleep better in a bed that has been made before you get in, otherwise the sheets get all tangled and twisted and you're tossing and turning all night.

So, get into your jammies, slip into your nicely made bed and have a good night's sleep. Like Philomena, a pyschic I once visited advised me: "Tell yourself you'll worry about it tomorrow."