REST - Week 7

Calm Your Body for a Restful Night’s Sleep and EFT Tapping

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Weekly Sleep Topic

Looking for a better quality of sleep? Well, you’re not alone.

Research shows that most Americans would be happier, healthier, and safer if they allowed themselves to get an extra 60 to 90 minutes of sleep per night. And it’s not the duration of sleep alone that can impact a person’s quality of life; failing to get good quality sleep can also result in heightened levels of stress, irritability, and frustration.

A lot of factors affect how we sleep: our sleep schedules, environment, stress levels, and medications, etc., but the influence of these factors can be minimized with proper body prep. By calming the body before getting into bed, you can improve the quality and duration of your sleep without having to make any drastic changes to your lifestyle.

This Monday, explore the many ways you can pamper yourself into a more pleasurable pre-bed routine when you are home and not on call. By focusing on your sleep, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed, energized, and ready to take on the day. Here’s how to calm your mind for better sleep.

Drink a Hot Beverage

A warm drink before bedtime can help lull you into a peaceful slumber. Things like chamomile tea, ashwagandha tea, peppermint tea, warm milk, and turmeric “golden” milk are all-natural sources of nutrients (melatonin, tryptophan, curcumin) that promote better sleep. Most herbal teas are caffeine free, but check the package to be sure. Caffeinated beverages can give you a good pick-me-up when you’re tired throughout the day, but should be avoided after 12 noon, so as not to disrupt getting a good night’s sleep when you are on a rotation where you are working during the day and sleeping at night.

Practice Bedtime Yoga

Yoga is a soothing low-impact physical activity that has the power to put both the mind and body at ease. Doing some simple movements before bed (or in bed) can help soothe the muscles and reduce joint pain. Just make sure the poses are relaxing and don’t cause unnecessary strain or discomfort in the body.

Take a Soothing Bath

When you are home, give yourself the spa treatment. A soothing bath is an excellent way to unwind after a long day or night. Incorporate bath salts or essential oils for a more complete sensory experience.

Warm Your Feet

Sound simple? That’s because it is. Keeping your body warm makes you feel more comfortable and relaxed, which in turn allows you to fall asleep easier. Feet are crucial in regulating body temperature, so keep them covered with warm socks or fluffy slippers on the nights when you can get sleep at home.

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