5 Tips for Your Best Sleep 

by Patricia Wagner

Are you having trouble getting the sleep you need?

Getting your proper sleep is crucial to your wellbeing and affects numerous areas in your life.

Here's why you need a good night's sleep:

* Proper sleep will help you look and feel your best.
* Relationships can become strained when you aren't properly rested.
* To be a safe driver you need enough rest.
* You'll do much better at your job.
* Proper sleep helps relieve stress.
* You'll be able to fight off sicknesses with proper sleep.
* Life will be more enjoyable when you're well rested.

Here are five tips to help you get better sleep:

1. Set your body clock.

Decide how much sleep you need and make a schedule and stick with it. We're creatures of habit, so it's best to have a regular time when you go to bed and get up the next morning.

If you sleep in one day, you might find it harder to go to bed at your regular time that evening. If you take long naps that will also disturb your regular pattern. If you need to take a nap, try a shorter one of about a half an hour.

2. Watch your fluid intake when it's close to bed time.

Otherwise you'll be waking up in the middle of the night to trot off to the bathroom. Also try to stay away from caffeinated drinks and chocolate as they act as stimulants.

However, a hot non-caffeinated drink can be relaxing.

3. Prepare your sleeping environment.

Try to keep the temperature of your bedroom a little on the cool side as it's easier to fall asleep in a slightly cooler room. You may need an extra blanket.

Make sure it's really dark because most people sleep better when it's totally dark.

Select the best mattress that you can afford. You're going to spend a large proportion of you life lying on it, so it's a wise investment.

If you need to use ear plugs, use them. Quietness is crucial to a good night's rest, so use ear plugs if necessary.

Try not to watch violent scenes on t.v. and avoid reading cliff-hanger books just before bedtime. Both of these activities can cause sleeplessness and violent dreams.

Don't have a work area in your bedroom. Keep your working activities and your sleep time separate for better sleep.

4. Prepare yourself for bedtime.

Slow stretches can help your body to relax. Making sure you've exercised sometime during the day can help you to sleep better. Wear comfortable clothing to bed. A warm bath -- not a brisk shower -- can help get you ready to fall asleep.

Don't take your worries to bed with you or they can keep you up for hours. I've found that reading the Bible and praying is a great way to end the day. Then I can truly relax and lay down my problems. My sleep is much sweeter and so are my dreams!

5. If you need specialized help, be sure to get it.

Sometimes medical conditions can prevent proper sleep, so see your doctor if you're suffering from not being able to go to sleep. Becoming addicted to sleeping pills will only prolong the underlying problem of sleeplessness, so don't use them as a crutch.

These five tips for getting a good night's sleep will help you if you put them into practice.

Pleasant dreams!