Technicolor Dreamers and the Rest of Us...

                                                 

     I don't know if I am weird or not, but I can literally go to sleep just about anytime and anyplace simply by closing my eyes and usually, in less than 5 minutes.  I mean, deep, rafter rocking snoring, rapid eye movement, slobber down the chin sleep in less than 5 minutes just by closing my eyes.  My wife, on the other hand, has the hardest time getting to sleep, even when it is well past our bed time, and she is exhausted.
     But when she does get to sleep, she tells me that she has the most vivid dreams in full and glorious technicolor.  I rarely remember a dream, and if I do, they are always in, Andy Griffith show, black and white.
     How about you?  Are your dreams in color or black and white?  Do you have a hard time getting to sleep or staying a sleep or are you like me and drop like a rock?  Do you fall asleep in the lazy boy and only make it to the bed in the wee hours of the morning, or are you a night owl, up most of the night and sleeping through a good part of the day.
     No matter what your sleeping style, whether you dream in technicolor or b&w, snore like a bear or barely fog a mirror, you probably are not getting enough sleep.  At least that's what those who study these things have been saying lately.  If you think about it, it makes sense though.  Many live hectic

and hurried lives with crazy schedules while others deal with worry, anxiety, fear or depression.    Still others are distracted with video games, television etc... and simply get to bed too late and have to get up too early.
     You can research it yourself, but for optimal health it is recommended we get 7 1/2 hours of sleep on a regular basis.  I know that many of us can function very well on far less, but there is a great deal of science indicating that this is not good for us in the long term.
     Now, frankly, it's none of my business how much or how little sleep you get.  If you want to stay up half the night or sleep half the day, I obviously won't lose any sleep over it     zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sorry.  Fell Asleep.  But there must be some of you who haven't been well lately.  You are tired, stressed, anxious, sick, and if you know you are not getting sufficient sleep, here are a few suggestions to help make your sleep the best it can be.

• Set an alarm clock for bedtime.  If you know you have to be up at 6, set an alarm on your phone at whatever time gets you in bed by 10:30.  (Stole this idea from Dr. Oz.)
• Make sure that all lights are out.  This includes all those little green, yellow, and blue lights on every electronic device.  Lighted alarm clocks too.  Only those with red lights don't affect sleep patterns.
• Use white noise machines, fans etc...to block out noise.  Noisy streets, neighbors, kids will obviously disrupt sleep patterns.
• Keep notepad and pencil on nightstand.  Have a hard time shutting off your brain?  Worrying about what you have to do tomorrow?  Scribble down your thoughts, worries etc
• Try deep breathing exercises.  This is also helpful for those who can't shut off their thoughts.  Lie flat on your back and slowly take a breath as deep as you can, then release the air slowly taking 15-20 seconds to exhale. You will literally feel the stresses of the day melting away. Repeat until asleep.  
• Ideal room temperature for sleep is 68 degrees Fahrenheit.  I live in Florida, so this rarely happens for us.
• Make sure you take your vitamin/mineral supplement with dinner.  The magnesium will help you reach the deepest sleep at the right time.  I recommend The Essentials from USANA Health Sciences
• Melatonin is a great, all natural sleep aid.  To insure only quality ingredients, again I recommend USANA's melatonin sleep aid Pure Rest.

     These are a few things that I hope you can find helpful in your quest for a good nights rest.  I wish you sweet dreams, and may they all be in technicolor.  Good Night!

In happiness and health!

Sam