Well all of you sleepy heads that are starting the new year off right with good sleep hygiene to have a healthy, happy, well-rested body let’s start off with “Ten Tips for a Good Night’s Sleep”. Remember we all have too much to do, so take time out to recharge yourself by getting a good night’s sleep. The quality and quantity of your sleep can make all the difference in how productive you will be the next day. Here are ten tips to help you get the sleep you need and deserve!
1. Give yourself “permission” to go to bed-As hard as it may be to put away your “to do” list, make sleep a “priority”. You’ll thank yourself in the morning.
2. Unwind early in the evening-Try to deal with worries and distractions several hours before bedtime.
3. Develop a sleep ritual-Doing the same thins each night just before bed signals your body to settle down for the night.
4. Keep regular hours-Keep your biological clock in check by going to bed around the same time each night and waking up close to the same time each morning-even on weekends.
5. Create a restful place to sleep-Sleep in a cool, dark room that is free from noises that disturb your sleep. 6. Do not watch television or play with your electronics in bed. Only 1 or 2 things should take place in your bedroom; the first being sleep and if you are married the second would be sex.
7. Sleep on a comfortable, supportive mattress and foundation-It’s difficult to sleep on a bed that’s too small, too soft, too hard, or too old.
8. Exercise regularly-Regular exercise can help relieve daily tension and stress, but don’t exercise within 4 hours of bedtime or you may have trouble falling asleep.
9. Cut down on stimulants-Consuming stimulants, such as caffeine, in the afternoon or evening can make it more difficult to fall asleep.
10. Don’t Smoke-Smokers take longer to fall asleep and wake up more often during the night.
Reduce alcohol intake-Drinking alcohol shortly before bedtime interrupts and fragments sleep.

Raquel Rothe-”Laughter fills you with a breath of fresh air”