QUIET REST VS SLEEP AS A RELAXATION TOOL

The literature abounds with information and statistics regarding the amount of sleep a human needs every day. However, in the "real world" there are pople who function very well on 4-5 hr sleep a night and others that believe they must have 8-10 hr a night.

An important point to consider is the difference between REST and SLEEP. Rest is a form of relaxation that allows the body and mind to cease activity for a short time for the restoration of nerve activity. Napping for 20-30 minutes a day has been shown to improve our memory, congnitive functions and moods.

Sleep, one of life's greatest blessings slows body functions to an "idling" stage while vital organs are allowed to replenish oxygen and nutrient supplies to repair tissue damage caused from daily stressors.

Just as it is important for a woman to learn to recognize her signs and symptoms of stress, it is also important that she learn her unique signs of need for rest or sleep. In addition, if circumstances do not alllow substantial rest or sleep, a woman needs to learn how to take mini breaks to give her mind and body a rest. Sometimes something as simple as splashing cold water on her face or do 5 minutes of the funky chicken may given her another short burst of energy to continue her daily routines. Even pulling over to a rest park and taking a short 10 minute nap during a long drive time can help.

It is a well known fact that prolonged sleep deprivation can be detrimental to a person's health both mentally and physically. But what do you do if you have trouble sleeping when you finally have time?

Here are a few helpful hints to enhance your chances of getting a good night's sleep. Lay in a supine position in a quiet, dark or dimly lit place on a mattress that fits your body curvature. Surrounded by your favorite blanket, pillow, music and lavender scents may also help you relax. A few deep cleansing breaths while pretending to sweep your mind clear of any end of the day thoughts can also be conducive to enhancing your ability to fall asleep.

One big mistake that many people make is to allow themselves to lay in bed and toss and turn for hours at a time. Look at the clock. pick "an awake limit "such as 30 minutes or an hour. Try again to sweep your mind clear of any stressful thoughts and try deep breathing again while gently massaging your temples. If you are still awake at your predetermined "limit" get up and do something constructive until you unwind enough to become sleepy then go back to bed.

If over time you continue to have problems with insomnia that can not be overcome by natural stress relief interventions, seek medical advice.