Sleeping Beauty

We all know how wonderful we feel and function after a good night's rest. You have more energy, clearer thoughts, and you're ready to hit the ground running (well maybe walking!). Getting quality sleep is essential for the body to rest, repair, and restore. If you're not getting a good night's rest, here are a few helpful tips that will help you get the beauty rest your body needs.

1. Switch all technology off a few hours before you go to bed. The blue light from phones, tablets, computers, etc. all disrupt our ability to sleep peacefully. Scrolling in bed? Place you devices in another room and use a good old fashioned alarm clock.

2. Shower or bath before bed. Taking a warm shower or bath is incredibly relaxing. Try using a soap with essential oils such as lavender. The smell is heavenly and the aromatics are relaxing.

3. Early Dinner. Eating a few hours before bedtime allows your body to digest and will help aid in a deeper more restful sleep. Furthermore, eating your dinner on an earlier schedule helps regulate your circadian rhythm which in turn provides you with a more restorative rest.

4. Magnesium Supplement. Getting the proper amount of this mineral not only plays an essential role in relaxing your muscles but it also will help you unwind and fall asleep. You'll wake up feeling more energized.

5. Skip the Alcohol. A glass of wine or a martini may leave you feeling relaxed and drowsy but it will also reduce the quality and duration of your sleep making you feel more tired when you wake up.

6. Caffeine. Drinking that late day latte or tea might seem like a good idea for a mid-day boost but it could also keep you up at night. If you love your daily dose of caffeine, try to limit your intake to no more than two cups per day and try not to consume caffeinated beverages after lunch or later in the day.

Sweet dreams.