Avoid sleeping too much or too little

  Avoid sleeping too much or too little. A couple of times a week you may stay in bed until you wake up without an alarm, and then don’t just lie in bed. (However, if you are chronically not getting enough sleep, you are better off to get to bed a little earlier than usual, start your sleep preparation routine a little early, and get to bed a little early.  But, do not go to bed so early that you wake up and are not able to fall asleep again for the night.)  Again, you want to condition your body and mind that the bed is for sleeping, not just lying around.  This goes back to the cues we were talking about.  Remember, the basal ganglia (part of the brain) is a powerful regulator of our behavior.  Habits are powerful.  Use them for your benefit, and the benefit of those you are trying to help.

Click here to continue with: warm bath or shower.

If you do this, the purpose for sleeping in until you naturally wake up once or twice a week is for those of you who are chronically not getting enough sleep.  Remember, when you wake up, at or soon after your normal time, get up.  My dog is very good about telling me she thinks it’s time for me to get up. 😊 If you are getting required sleep most nights, then there is no need to sleep in unless ill.  If you eat right, exercise, get enough sleep, manage stress, you are less likely to become ill.

I like the old poem or nursery rhyme by Wayne Fields:

The best six doctors anywhere 

And no one can deny it

Are sunshine, water, rest, and air,

Exercise, and diet.

These six will gladly you attend

If only you are willing

You're mind they'll mend

And charge you not a shilling.