On the Coast – Over 55 Issue 34 I March/February 2020 | Page 12

getting a good night’s sleep BY DIANA ARUNDELL W e’ve all experienced how difficult it can be to get through a day when we haven’t had a good sleep the night before. Everything becomes more difficult to deal with physically, mentally and emotionally. As a result, we may feel too tired to exercise, crave sugary food for a quick energy fix, eat more junk food as we’re too tired to cook, sleep during the day or drink too much caffeine which can then affect the quality of our sleep that night. If this vicious cycle goes on for a longer period of time it can really start to negatively impact our health and our happiness. There are many reasons for disturbed sleep and ultimately the underlying cause needs to be addressed. Although they may be a quick fix, pharmaceutical sleeping tablets are not ideal as they can become addictive and can affect clarity of mind the next day amongst other side effects. Below are some natural ideas that can help improve sleep by relaxing the nervous system and encouraging the mind to relax and let go: 1 Empty the Mind Sometimes the mind likes to download all the things we need to think about through the night as it’s a time when we are not busy with other things and it has our undivided attention. Before bed, write in a diary/journal/pad, to empty the mind of all thoughts. Let the mind know that now is the time to give you everything it wants you to hear and it has your complete attention. Keep writing, even if it doesn’t make sense, just giving the mind free rein and keep going until there’s nothing left and the mind is quiet. Thank the mind and then let it know that now it is sleep time. 2 Deep Sleep technique After emptying the mind, it can help to give the mind a boring job to focus on Buying or selling? We would be pleased to help you Martin Ball Solicitor Principal 0428 637636 [email protected] Christine Morgan Senior Property Paralegal 0437 395 717 [email protected] Local expertise, competitive rates Conveyancing, property & commercial law Planning and environmental law www.mbmlegal.com.au 5/213 Albany St Nth, Gosford 12 ON T H E C OA S T – OV ER 5 5