Are you "tired" of counting sheep??? Tips on getting a good nights sleep

The importance of getting a good night’s sleep. So many of my clients are having trouble sleeping. Sleep is so important to help your body heal. Your body cleanses itself when you are at rest. If this is disturbed you are storing up toxins that will eventually cause your organs to be compromised and not able to do their job Our liver is one organ that we need to take care of and allow to rejuvenate at night while we rest. Here are some tips to help your body find the rest it needs. You will become a better person and able to deal with the stress of the day when you get a good night’s sleep.

1. Don't drink caffeine after noon. Caffeine stays in your system much longer than you may think. You may be surprised to learn that the half life of caffeine is actually about 6 hours.

2. Exercise is for 20 minutes every day. Exercise is one of the first things we recommend for people in terms of feeling tired and being able to sleep.

3. Get daily sunshine - especially first thing in the morning. In addition to improving sleep, nature exposure has been demonstrated to have a wide ranging impact on health, including improved immune function, increased energy, reduced blood pressure, and improved focus.

4. Consume adequate amounts of magnesium. This key mineral plays a complex role in the biological processes which govern our ability to sleep, yet it's estimated that nearly 75% of Americans are deficient.

5. Avoid digital devices close to bedtime. New research shows that blue light exposure significantly reduces the amount of melatonin secreted by the brain's pineal gland.

6. Regulate your body temperature. The optimal temperature for sleeping is between 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit.

6. Make sure you have curtains that block out the light.

7. Keep your room neutral and peaceful.

Gillian Purkiss