Improved sleep

Sunday, January 23, 2011

After 18 years of being sleep deprived, I am getting a pretty decent night's sleep. I know many of you are up at all hours of the night, so I wanted to share what worked for me in hopes that it might improve your sleep.

Ear plugs - It was a scary thought at first because I worried about not hearing a smoke detector should it go off, but the ear plugs block out some noise, but not all. Hard to describe, but worth trying.

Limit or eliminate alcohol. This was tough for me because I really did enjoy wine...it relaxed me and helped me to fall asleep, but it was not quality sleep. I'd wake up often and feel the effects of that all day.

Reading for 15 minutes before bedtime, If you're not a book lover, how about a magazine article? Just don't read anything upsetting.

Darkness...that way if you wake up and can't see anyting, you can more easily fall back to sleep.

Please share your sleep tips...what works for you?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

BABYKANGAROO30 1/24/2011 9:45AM

these are all wonderfull ideas- thanx for sharing! I suffer from anxiety, though... i take very mild medicine for it but I think it isnt working properly. It usually hits me at night though... all of these things DO work well thouh [as long as im not having my anxiety] now if someone just had tips for getting rid of anxiety- NATURALLY!.. Report Inappropriate Comment

COLEENCOLE 1/23/2011 4:12PM

I have noticed that eating something salty makes me restless and also drinking anything after 7PM. Report Inappropriate Comment

TERRESTA 1/23/2011 1:43PM

Very helpful! Here are a few others that work for me and my hubby - - keep your bedroom cool at night. Turn the heat down! Snuggling under blanket(s) definitely helps us fall asleep -exercise MORE than 2-3 hours before bedtime. Any closer to bedtime, and it keeps me awake longer Report Inappropriate Comment

NICOLEBA47 1/23/2011 11:34AM

I am also struggling with sleep and I have tried many strategies. Thanks for sharing yours!! Report Inappropriate Comment

TERRI289 1/23/2011 10:39AM

I love a dark room to sleep in!! Report Inappropriate Comment

CATE195 1/23/2011 6:31AM

Thanks for sharing. I also have struggled with sleep. I agree that it is hard to give up wine, I enjoy having a glass with my hubby in the afternoon. I finally asked him to help me out and that has made a big difference. I have used many of your strategies, and I also find that on days that I do not exercise I have a lot more problems falling asleep. If I find I am laying awake more than 30 minutes, I get out of bed go downstairs and read or do a puzzle. I do not eat anything or turn on the TV. This usually does the trick for me. Report Inappropriate Comment

Breaking the obesity gene

Saturday, January 22, 2011

I thought I was destined to be morbidly obese forever...but not anymore. I wish I had grasped this concept sooner...could have saved my daughter from struggling with her weight by being a better example when she was younger, but it's not too late for her either. We are generations of obese people...wondering if she can break that chain when raising her own kids.

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

COLEENCOLE 1/22/2011 6:04PM

You can break it. Report Inappropriate Comment

TWOTIMESS 1/22/2011 4:57PM

It is never too late! Report Inappropriate Comment

Substitutes for endless snacking

Friday, January 21, 2011

1) Coffee or tea
2) Gum
3) Hard candy

Can you think of any others?

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

ALASKASKY 1/22/2011 11:34AM

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TERRI289 1/21/2011 7:58PM

situps Report Inappropriate Comment

TERRESTA 1/21/2011 4:25PM

1) audiobooks - they distract the mind. 2) blueberries - a sweet delectable treat that's really good for you Report Inappropriate Comment

PICKIE98 1/21/2011 3:45PM

Water, walks, phone calls, cuddling, letter writing, snow shoveling, wall washing, reading. Report Inappropriate Comment

ADEWYN 1/21/2011 3:44PM

water and a walk or a good book :) Report Inappropriate Comment

Hello from NOLA!

Thursday, January 20, 2011

It's been a whirlwind 2 days here, but I'm ready to go home! Too much rich food...not enough exercise.

  

Off to New Orleans...

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

...and of course the thing I'm most excited about is the food!!! I've only been there once, but I do remember how great the seafood was...jambalaya...po boys...ahhh...my mouth is watering and I haven't even gotten on the plane yet!

  

  Member Comments About This Blog Post:

SHER2BE8 1/20/2011 5:15PM

Have a fantastic day, as I plow threw winter I will think of you enjoying a beautiful day and imagine myself there. sherry Report Inappropriate Comment

LYNNOTT 1/19/2011 2:29PM

Wish I were with you! Fond memories of Cafe Du Monde! Po boys...have a great time! Report Inappropriate Comment

CATLADY_56 1/19/2011 2:07PM

Sounds like fun! I'd like to say "stay on program" but I don't want to be a downer. Have a great time! Report Inappropriate Comment

BAKER1009 1/19/2011 10:45AM

Have a great time! I don't remember much of the food. I remember sitting in the lovely courtyard of Pat O'Briens and drinking hurricanes. I remember that their bathroom was on the 2nd story of the building...who would do that!? I could barely stand up after drinking 2 hurricanes and then you tell me I have to go upstairs!! LOL! Can't wait to hear how the trip goes! Report Inappropriate Comment

TERRESTA 1/19/2011 7:10AM

And beignets!! Sure, they're horrible for your diet, but oh so good! Report Inappropriate Comment

TERRI289 1/19/2011 7:06AM

Have a wonderful time!! Wish I could pack myself in a bag and go with you!!!! Report Inappropriate Comment