Use this great resource to find information about any sleep issues you have particular trouble with. Here are just a few thoughts on the getting the rest that you need and this month's rule.

Rule #9:  Get a good night's sleep as often as possible.

It’s normal to have trouble falling asleep from time to time. And it’s no big deal to burn the candle at both ends once in a while and miss out on a few hours of sleep. But if you frequently have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep you may need to take some steps to change your lifestyle.  And if you find yourself feeling tired all day even after getting a full night’s sleep, you definitely need to see your healer or doctor to investigate the underlying causes.

Many of us are at our computers until the wee hours or doing housekeeping chores right up until bedtime, fighting sleep and exhaustion in the effort to do “just one more thing”. The issue here may be more about time management than sleep hygiene.

Regardless, nearly all of us could use at least a little improvement in our sleeping habits. If you have any sleeping problems, try simple solutions first, and work your way up until you see improvement.

1) Start by checking over your lifestyle and wellness habits in general. It’s no coincidence that the same wellness habits that we’ve been focusing on all year also have a profound effect on our ability to get a good night’s sleep

            How much caffeine or alcohol do you usually consume and at what times?

            Are you well hydrated?

            Do you get regular exercise, but well before bedtime?

            How well do you eat and at what times?

            Do you put off taking “down-time” until late at night?

2) Next, think about your sleep hygiene. While we usually think of the word hygiene in the context of personal care, the word hygiene itself refers to practices associated with ensuring good health and cleanliness. Your sleep hygiene therefore includes both your habits and your sleeping environment.

            Is your sleeping area clean, quiet, and comfortable?

            Does your pillow offer you the correct support?

How about your mattress and mattress pads?

Does your bedding adapt well to changes in temperature?

Do you have a regular bedtime?

Do you have a bedtime routine?

3) Now consider any medication issues.

            Do you take medication that adversely affects your sleep?

            Does your dosage or prescription need to be adjusted?

            Are hormones or hormone replacements disrupting your sleep?

4) Last, and probably toughest, what emotional or psychological issues are you dealing with?

            Are your problems temporary or long-term?

            Have you sought help for them?