Ten Tips For Restful Sleep

Copyright 2005 Wayne McDonald

According to the National Sleep Foundation, approximately 70 million people in the United States are affected by a sleep problem. Americans suffering from chronic sleep disorders number about 40 million, and an additional 20-30 million are affected by intermittent sleep-related problems.

More importantly, studies have found a relationship between the quantity and quality of one's sleep and many health problems. For example, insufficient sleep may be linked to weight gain, hypertension, cardiovascular problems and the onset of diabetes.

Here is a list of tips for sleeping restfully. These tips are intended for "typical" adults with occasional sleep problems. This list is not for those with medical problems or necessarily for children.

1. Maintain a regular sleep schedule
Our bodies have a natural clock and a regular sleep schedule conditions our physiology with a sleep-wake cycle. A regular waking time in the morning strengthens this cycle and can help the onset of sleep at night. It is important to keep a regular bedtime and wake-time, even on the weekends when there is the temptation to sleep-in.

2. Bedtime DOs
Establishing a regular sleep routine will condition your mind and body to switch from activity to sleep. Your routine might include listening to soothing music, reading a book, a warm glass of milk or a warm soak in the tub (it should be done early enough that you are no longer sweating or over-heated). If youre lactose-intolerant, try an herbal tea with no caffeine. Another easy trick just before retiring is to dim the lights to tell your body it is time to rest.

3. Bedtime DONTS
Avoid eating a heavy meal before bedtime. You should finish eating at least 2-3 hours before your regular bedtime and avoid spicy foods that may cause heartburn. In addition, many people think alcohol is a sedative, but it actually disrupts sleep, causing nighttime awakenings. Other things to avoid include caffeine (e.g. coffee, tea, soft drinks and chocolate) and cigarettes (nicotine).

4. Your Bed is not a Desk
The only purpose of your bed is for sleeping and sex. DO NOT use it as a workspace for sorting out papers or working on projects. Create a healthy "body" relaxing environment and not a "brain" activity space. Remove work materials, computers and televisions out of your sleep environment.

5. Bedroom Harmony
Your bedroom should be pleasing, clutter-free and reflect the value you have for sleep. Your bed and pillows should be comfortable. Adjust the elements in your sleep environment such as light (dark is best), temperature and noise. If necessary, use blackout curtains, eye shades, ear plugs, air purifiers, humidifiers, fans and other devices.

6. Nurture Your Body
Visiting a holistic therapist each month will help release body tension, quiet the mind and correct any imbalances. The choices are unlimited, like acupuncture, massage, reflexology, chiropractic and more.

7. Exercise regularly
Avoid exercising late at night because it raises your body temperature and makes you more alert. If you exercise at night, complete your workout at least a three hours before bedtime. A great time to exercise is late afternoon.

8. Diet and Supplements
Feed your body healthy nutritional food with plenty of fresh green vegetables and fresh fruit. In addition, you can take a high quality supplement (liquid or tablet multi-vitamin) each day.

9. Resolve Mental and Emotional Issues
Unplug from your day and leave the office at the office. If you still have a list of things leftover it is best to write them down with a simple to-do list for the morning. Avoid having arguments unresolved. If you have an issue with something that was said, or are angry, then write your feelings in a journal and do a brain download. Do NOT re-read this journal. If you still have issues in the morning, then speak to that person or speak to a professional.

10. Dont Watch the Clock
If you can NOT fall asleep, it is best NOT to lie in bed and try to "force" yourself to sleep. Avoid checking the clock repeatedly. According to experts, if you do not fall back asleep within 15-20 minutes, you should get out of bed and go to another room. Try something relaxing such as listening to music or reading.

In conclusion, getting a good night sleep every night is important to recharge your body and mind. The quality of sleep and quantity of sleep is crucial for health, safety and longevity. Pleasant dreams and good night.

About the author:
Wayne McDonald is a licensed Life Practitioner, a Public Speaker and a holistic health practitioner. For more articles and health tips visit

Debunking Common Exercise Myths, Part 1Chad Anderson, CSCSMyth 1: Heavy weights make you bulky

Heavy weights typically do not lead to increased muscle mass, moderate weights do. Muscle mass is more of a function of volume (ie. number of sets x number of reps). Muscle mass is best gained using multiple sets (3-5) for moderate repetitions (8-12) at moderate loads (70-80% 1RM). Using heavy loads (85% 1RM and above) for repetitions in the 1-5RM range will lead to strength gains with minimal hypertrophy. Hence, heavy weights do not make you bulky.

Myth 2: High repetitions are for toning

I dont know how many times Ive heard this. Too many times to be sure. Toning (a term I hate to use) is a result of losing fat and building muscle tissue so that you develop a degree of muscle definition. While there are rep brackets better suited for body compositional changes, there are no rep brackets that tone. Body compositional changes are a result of the program as a whole, not just the rep bracket being used. As for high repetitions, repetitions of 12+, they are better suited for developing muscular endurance.

Myth 3: You can only burn fat by doing cardio

You would think that by now most people would have realized that cardio is not the only means by which you can burn fat. However, nearly EVERYONE I speak with in the club where I work only knows fat loss by one method: cardio. Sure, cardio can result in fat loss, but it is most effective the first 6-8 weeks of an exercise program due to the changes in hormonal response that occurs with adaptation. Ever notice how many people perform long duration cardio day in and day out only to leave the gym looking exactly the same? I rest my case.

An overlooked method of burning fat is weight training. Many people understand that by adding muscle mass you burn more calories around the clock, which may result in more fat loss. However, what most people fail to realize is that a weight training routine can be manipulated to achieve a specific hormonal response that is conducive to fat loss. In other words, you will get a different hormonal response from doing high repetitions as opposed to doing low repetitions. The key then is to manipulate training variables in such a way that it will promote fat loss. I will elaborate further on this topic in a future article.

Debunking Common Exercise Myths, Part 2coming soon!

About the author:
Chad Anderson, CSCS operates a personal training, fitness programming, and consulting business while also holding a full-time position as a senior personal trainer at a commercial health club. He holds a BS degree in exercise science with a minor in nutrition and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist through the NSCA. You can visit his website at

9 SUPER HEALTH TIPS THAT HAVE WORKED FOR MEJudy ThompsonCopyright 2005 Judy Thompson

This is a what has worked very, very well for me article. Reasons I wish to share these tips include: (1) for the last 15 years I have not been sick or experienced more than a slight cold, nor do I take any prescription medications; (2) I have a lot of friends, both older and younger than me, who have suffered from many illnesses and diseases. I believe that if my friends would follow similar health practices that I do, many would see improved results in their own health; and (3) the internet provides me with an opportunity to share this information, without anyone feeling obligated to read it or to utilize my suggestions.

I do not claim to have all the answers or practice the perfect diet and exercise plan. I realize that a persons genetic inheritance and environment can also influence a persons health. However, I believe that most people would benefit by implementing suggestions in this article.

Here is a PLAN for generally pretty good health, as I see it.

1. Prevention is a lot better than a cure. Living a healthy lifestyle is a lot easier than trying to get over any kind of disease.
2. Balanced living is important. Not all work, not all play. Not too much stress. Some meaningful socializing, but also meaningful time alone with God. Some service to doing good and helping others, but not so much as to consume all your quality time with God, your family and your friends.
3. Eating habits. Lots of fruits & vegetables. Raw foods everyday. Leaf lettuce and Romaine are much healthier than head lettuce. Raw foods are important as they add enzymes that assist in digestion. Several helpings of fruits and veggies daily will help your health.
4. Good elimination daily. Consume plenty of fiber and drink plenty of water.
5. Not overweight. Take a good digestive enzyme supplement. It will help you digest your food. Older people especially would benefit from this since they may have more problems with digestion. Also, raw fruits and vegetables are low in calories and aid digestion. Do not eat a lot of refined carbohydrates, such as sugar, white bread, white spaghetti, etc. Go sparingly on those high-calorie desserts.
6. Get adequate exercise. If you have an office job, you will have to work harder at this than someone who naturally exercises as part of his job.
7. Get adequate sleep at night, at least 7 or 8 hours for most people. Sleep in the dark, complete darkness if possible.
8. Detoxify. We are exposed to many toxins throughout our lives. Exhaust fumes, cleaning supplies, mercury (dental amalgams), lead, aluminum, parasites, etc. Fortunately, our bodies do get rid of most toxins. However, we dont throw off all toxins, and over the years, toxins will build up. It is important to eliminate toxins since a build-up of them can contribute to a host of diseases.
9. Take good quality vitamin and mineral supplements. Generally, we dont get everything we need from foods. High quality supplements can help in preventing illness and disease.

A real health nut or nutritionist may wish to add to or take away from the above list. One thing about good health and nutritioneven the best experts in the country will not agree on everything. Plus, when it comes to diet and exercise, one shoe does not fit all. Though I still work for a living, I am at an age where many people are retired and I believe that I have learned a few things about a healthy lifestyle. Some of those things have been shared with you in this article.

Wishing you the very best of health!

About the author:

Judy Thompson is a former Health teacher and for many years has been a student of natural nutrition. Nutrition information and products may be found at her website.