Anyone have tips for getting enough sleep?

Sleep? What's that?

LOL  I hear it's when you lose consciousness intentionally for a period of time.  It sounds lovely, yet unfamiliar to me.    I can definitely relate when folks talk about feeding the dog a bowl of cereal and kids a bowl of kibble. 

I've started giving myself permission not to get everything done. Also I'm about half way through a great book on time management by  David Allen -  Getting Things Done.   (When I have time I'll finish it)   But actually theres a lot in it that makes sense.    How to keep track of your stuff in a great way so that you can focus only on the thing in front of you. 

  You may try valerian root from the healthfood store.  Melatonin has been used but it is a hormone.  Try YOGA- start by taking an adult ed course or an easy video (oops, I'm showing my age)  DVD.  Drink chamomille tea, spray lavendar on your pillow and in the air, take a warm soothing bath before bedtime, do not exercise too close to bedtime, no TV or computer or office in the bedroom,  meditate,  listen to sounds of nature tapes,  listen to tapes especially for relaxation,  make sure you have a comfortable mattress,  flannel sheets are cozy.

After trying all of the above,  I got medication from my doctor. You have to find the right dosage and the right med for you. I don't care if I have to take it the rest of my life, as long as I can get the sleep I need. Also, anxiety medication may help you to relax and get to sleep.

Last week in the newspaper it said otc pills are good at getting you to sleep but not keeping  you asleep. If you wake in the early morning hours, it was suggested to try Sonata  at that time, because it is such a short  term  med.

It's a funny term, but the whole concept of "sleep hygiene" is key to getting a good night's rest -- whether you're 2, 42, 82, or 102.  Taking simple steps such as:

* going to sleep and waking at about the same time each day

* creating bedtime rituals (a warm bath, short read, a light snack of toast & milk)

* making sure the bedroom is quiet, dark, and heated or cooled to a comfortable temperature

* keeping the bed a sanctuary for sleep -- not a place to watch movies, balance the household budget or eat dinner!

You can find out about other sound sleep patterns in some of our blog posts on sleep, including this one:

http://www.caring.com/blogs/caring-currents/too-much-and-too-little-shut-eye-may-be-bad-for-health

Here's to one and all getting enough zzzs.

Sleep is a luxury.  I don't have any problem with falling asleep.  My mother calls me 10 times during the night to come see if there is someone in her closet.  20 minutes later, she has to go potty.  An hour later, she wants me to make "them" quit singing.  She is hungry, she is scared, she wants me to sleep with her.  I gave her ambien which made her groggy and she fell every night trying to get out of bed, and was groggy the next day, all day long.  I only gave it to her for 4 nights.  I learned my lesson.   I need some rest.  Last night I let her sleep in the recliner.  She slept all night.  I hope this is my answer to not sleeping.

what about some brandy before bedtime, a little is not going to hurt her