It's known that we need to get enough sleep in order to stay healthy, but sometimes it's a matter of HOW do we get some well-needed shut eye. Natural Health Magazine ran an article with tips on how to do just that.
Getting a good night's sleep makes all the difference in your happiness, success and overall health. A few nights of restless sleep can wreak havoc on your nerves but when you're well-rested, daily stresses decrease.
Here are some ancient feng shui organizational recommendations for creating an environment that supports sound sleep. How many of these do you follow?
Proper Bed Position - The best position for your bed is against the wall, diagonally opposite from the door. You'll feel protected and relaxed if you can see the door from your bed. If your bed is under a window, energy moves in and out causing interrupted sleep.
Clean Mattress with Soft Bedding - If you've had a long illness in your bed or are still hanging on to a mattress from your ex, it's time to get a new one. Mattresses hold energy and it's important to sleep with healing and loving energy. Soft sheets make a huge difference too (I have to agree on this one! Bamboo is real nice.). Five star hotels are now selling their luxurious Heavenly Beds so if you sleep soundly in your next hotel room, you'll be able to buy the mattress, sheets, duvet and cover!
Soothing Colors - Colors on your walls,, bedding, window treatments and artwork can help you calm down at night. Switch to light green, blue, lavender, peach, pink or neutral tones for peaceful energy.
Mood Lighting - A couple hours before bedtime, start dimming the lights to help your inner clock move towards sleep. Candles are also a sensual and soothing way to calm the spirit. Use aromatherapy candles to further relax the body. Try lavender, rose, sandalwood, jasmine or gardenia. Perhaps you can say a prayer for a good night's rest as you light it.
Remove Energy Stimulants - Avoid gadgets, big and small, that send out powerful electromagnetic energy causing many sleep and health issues. The bedroom is the place for sleep and sex, not work or exercise. This includes the TV, digital clock, treadmill, computer, answering machine etc. If you can't live without them, enclose the TV in an armoire and cover the treadmill or computer with silk fabric. Unplug them too. Add a peace lily plant to absorb some of the electrical energy. Move the digital clock away from your head. It's best to put it as far away as possible. Besides, when the alarm goes off, it get you up and out of bed to turn it off instead of hitting the snooze and going back to sleep.
De-clutter Mental Stimulants - The best way to quiet your mind is to clear all clutter from your bedroom and from under your bed. Remove all work-related projects, bills, and files to disconnect from work stress. An abundance of books can be too stimulating as well. Relocate bookshelves to another room and select a few that you are currently reading for your nightstand. Parents may remove their children's toys or store them in a covered basket.
Create A Sleep Ritual - There are many different types of rituals that will help your body wind down for a harmonious night's sleep. You may want to spend a couple minutes writing your worries down or anything you must remember for the next day so your mind can let go of the anxiety. Other suggestions include drinking herbal tea, meditating, doing gentle yoga, taking a walk, writing in a gratitude journal and taking a warm bath. For me, when I lay down each night, I do breathing exercises - Take a deep breath in...hold it for 7 counts and exhale for 8 counts. Do this at least 4-5 times. You'll find it helps you relax a bit better.
http://www.naturalhealthmag.com/green-living/7-secrets-sound-sleep