Better Sleep On A Budget

Countless books and articles have been written about insomnia. Too many people turn to addictive sleep medications and other expensive therapies.

Consider the following inexpensive and natural bedtime strategies:

• Be consistent. Go to bed and get up at the same time each day.

• Create a restful environment. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, quiet, and clutter-free.

• Avoid any stress inducing activities just before going to sleep. i.e. answering emails, paying bills.

• Dust the bedroom regularly. Allergies can keep you awake.

• Finish vigorous exercise five hours before bedtime. It can take that long for your core body temperature to drop. A cooler body is ready for sleep.

• Listen to talk radio. This can interrupt the thoughts that are keeping you awake.

• Do breathing exercises. Breathe deeply and slowly while counting to 10.

• Avoid alcohol before going to bed. It may put you to sleep quickly, but it will wake you up several hours later.

• Use aromatherapy. Lavender is a popular herbal sleep aid.