Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips – Sleep Easier

With our busy schedules these days, it often seems like the last thing we think about is a good night’s sleep. Of course, the thinking in the old days was that 8 hours was the minimum for good health and effective rest. Now we know that the optimum is 7 hours but the absolute minimum is six good hours. Yes, that means good REM sleep.

First off, we need to power down at least half an hour before sleep. We are all attached to our devices, but it is essential to not use them before trying to sleep. These devices emit blue light which interrupts your natural ability to calm down and prepare for sleep. If you do want to use your phone, download a sleep sounds app. These apps have thousands of soothing sounds, with everything from waves and thunderstorms to musical instruments. I use these when I go to bed very early in the evening before an early trip. It helps to block outside noises and soothes you into restful sleep.

Check out your surroundings. Make the bedroom only for sleep. Don’t work in bed and try to keep out clutter. Keep the room as dark as possible, using blackout curtains or shades. Use soothing paint colors like greens, grays, and blues. Get a good mattress; it’s essential for good sleep. Many mattress stores offer mattresses on credit. You spend nearly a third of your life on it, so don’t scrimp. Invest in good linens; they are worth it! Essential oils are wonderful for sleep, especially lavender, vanilla, and jasmine. Use an electric warmer to diffuse the scent throughout the room.

Cool down the room. The room temperature should be no more than 65 degrees. Too cold for you? I promise you, it will help! A too-warm room makes it harder to get to and stay asleep. You can use down comforters and warm pajamas. Use lavender lotion on your feet with socks. It’s better to have the room cool and be warm in the bed than have the room warm. 

KATHY WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO