National Sleep Awareness Week

I haven't seen too much more than usual about promoting the need to assess our sleeping patters, despite this being National Sleep Awareness Week, so I thought I would contribute.

I find it quite annoying that my body insists on having at least 8 hours sleep when there are lots of other things I could be doing. I wonder whether it was because I was always made to go to bed at a decent time as a child and have my 8 hours. Maybe if I had secretly read books with a torch under the covers like my peers did I may be able to cope with less? Despite all the studies on how long one should sleep, we are all different and therefore need a different amount of sleep.

There are many theories about sleeping and how to have a good nights sleep. For me I can only sleep when the list below has been completed:

1. It is silent
2. I can breathe easily through my nose (breathing relief dilator helps)
3. I have had time to wind down (I've not just finished watching a thriller)
4. I am comfortable (loose clothing, comfy bed and bedding)
5. I have communicated with my other half
6. I have listed anything needed to be done the next day (so it doesn't circle in my head)

It is important that you minimise the stress when going to bed and leave time to wind down and write lists of anything you need to do the next day. It's commonly said and is very true for me - never go to bed on an argument if you want to sleep!

Sue Urda, author, the Connections Expert and Co-Founder & CEO of Powerful You expresses how gratitude can be used as a stress relief tool and better sleep technique. Perhaps there was a time when people prayed before bedtime and were thankful and this helped them to sleep better. Either way I have decided to add it to my nightly list:

7. Be thankful

I will let you know how I get on. Meanwhile if you have any sleep stories feel free to send them across!

www.breathingrelief.com