–Quality Sleep: is critical to our health and well-being. Over 40 million Americans suffer from sleep disorders, leading to poor focus, irritability, and weight gain. Don’t kid yourself, adults need 7-8 hours of actual sleep (not just lying bed) nightly to allow the body to repair and replenish itself. Practice good sleep hygiene with these 5 tips:

1. Turn off internet, TV, or games at least an hour before sleep time. The blue light from screens delays the melatonin cycle that triggers restful sleep.
2. Keep a regular routine for sleep and waking up. A consistent sleep cycle helps the body regulate itself more effectively. Try keeping your sleep/ wake times within an hour each day for 3 weeks and see what differences you notice.
3. Finish your last meal (including snacking) 3 hours or more before sleeping. Give the stomach time to actively digest dinner and absorb the food before going into fasting mode.
4. Establish a ritual to wind down your day. Enjoy a cup of tea and reflect on successes and gratitudes from the day (better yet, write down 3 things you are happy about). Even if its 10 minutes for yourself, take it!
5. Keep the bedroom for sleeping. Banish the TV and computer! Minimizing electronics in the bedroom has been shown to improve the quality of sleep so your body gets more benefits from the repair and replenish cycle.

Still having trouble getting a good nights rest from time to time?

Daily meditation improves sleep.

Meditation can help.

So can acupuncture.