5 Steps to a Good Night's Sleep

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Step 1

Hit the sheets: We know, we know -- the dog needs a bath, you've got 124 e-mails to answer, and you have to do two loads of laundry before you can call it a day. But here's the thing: The chores can wait. "Adequate sleep is as essential to a woman's health as eating and exercise. Stop feeling guilty about getting it," says Lawrence Epstein, MD, author of The Harvard Medical School Guide to a Good Night's Sleep.

Is that really possible? Yes, if you prioritize what has to get done right now, and what can wait. Try this simple exercise: "About an hour before bed, type up a to-do list of all the things you need to accomplish, print out the list, then ball it up and throw it in a wastebasket," says Patricia Smith, coauthor of Sleep Disorders for Dummies. "The physical act symbolizes that you don't have to worry about these things until morning -- they'll all be there safely on your computer and you can deal with them then."

Next: Step 2

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pegenereux wrote:

Good ideas...but drop the ipod ads...just say listen to music using your mp3 or other handheld device...not everyopne is an ipod user! THanks

10/24/2012 09:22:37 PM Report Abuse

cabrooker1 wrote:

Go to http://www.InsomniaDoc.com to get real advice on how to treat insomnia from a Cleveland Clinic-trained Sleep Doctor and Neurologist, Dr. Craig Brooker, M.D.

12/2/2011 03:20:59 PM Report Abuse

beautyinsimplet wrote:

i find it odd that it recommends reading a couple chapters of your favorite book only to follow up with....dont take books to bed?

10/19/2011 02:29:22 PM Report Abuse

evelyndamayon66 wrote:

the exercises are helpful to have good sleep. thank you

9/4/2011 07:48:01 PM Report Abuse

rrogerg wrote:

Nice article but we all know that we need to sleep more and have a regular and timely routine for getting the zzz we need. Would have been more helpful if it would have addressed ways to actually fall asleep and stay asleep. Or how about discussing natural alternatives and fitness routines that help promote better and more fulfilling rest at night.

12/16/2009 08:13:47 PM Report Abuse