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Because we all need and deserve good, restful sleep

Sleep is hugely important to our mental and physical wellbeing. In fact, being well-rested or having consistently good sleep, is so critical that it is actually considered the major indicator for whether someone will recover from certain illnesses. It is so important that I have done a whole series of videos on sleep, have created a Good Sleep Checklist, a Sleep Diary, and an Evening Gratitude Practice and a whole list of helpful products (not supplements or drugs) for good sleep and other information.
If you struggle with getting a good night sleep, I have lived that nightmare. The single most helpful thing for calming my nervous system down and helping me sleep is the Legs on the Wall yoga pose. I have to admit, if I wake in the middle of the night, I will often do it from bed, simply taking the pillow out from under my head so I can lie flat and put my legs straight into the air. While I do not recommend that you follow my “shortcut”, the instructions and information on the practice are found in this link. I have found it immensely helpful.
Here is my new favorite guided meditation by Tara Brach, “Relaxing Back Into Natural Awareness .“ Give her a listen!

Helpful Products

Here’s some recommendations for better sleep. This is just a jumping off point. I encourage you to look around. There are many more products available now than there were when I bought mine. Look at price, whether or not you can return it, and reviews. I will try to add some of Amazon’s Choice selections to this list in the near future.

 Tempur Pedic The Sleep Mask

Tempur Pedic The Sleep Mask

I have this tempurpedic eye mask and have had it for many many years. I absolutely love it. It kind of hugs your face around your eyes so it may sound silly but I find it very soothing just to put on regardless of the light it blocks out. It does that (blocks light) very effectively, as well. In fairness, there are so many similar products on the market now. I can’t say this is the best or the best deal but I am beyond happy with it. 

Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier

Whirlpool Whispure Air Purifier

It’s not cheap and it’s not actually a white noise machine but it makes white noise and cleans the air. I love it! Again, I have had this for a number of years, if you have allergies or other needs for an air purifier that can double as a white noise machine, use this as a jumping off point.
 Marpac Dohm Classic | The Original White Noise Machine

Marpac Dohm Classic | The Original White Noise Machine

This is the white noise machine I use when traveling. It’s small enough to put in a suitcase and sounds better than the white noise app on my phone, though when I’m traveling light or going overseas, I use the app.

 Verilux HappyLight

Verilux HappyLight

I don’t actually use a light box (I live in Southern Florida) but this one is “Amazon’s Choice” and their recommendations (in my experience) are usually spot on. These are often used for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) but could also be used in the mornings if you do not live somewhere that you can get a daily morning dose of sunshine which can help with circadian rhythm.

Booklight

Booklight

I love this book light. It clips nicely to your book and has three settings so you can have it dim, bright, or in between. It is so much softer on the eyes than a screen. It’s perfect for reading to my son before bed and then I often use it to read myself to sleep! It’s also a great little light to accompany you if you wake up in the middle of the night. Perfect little light!

 Sunrise Alarm Clock

Sunrise Alarm Clock

Sunrise alarm clocks are another helpful way to ease into sleep or waking up. They often have a button you push so that the bedroom dims over a 30 minute period into darkness. This also simultaneously sets an alarm for the next day. Thirty minutes before the alarm goes off, it begins to slowly brighten. My sunrise alarm clock isn’t made any more. Its an analog clock which suits me because I hate light in my bedroom. However, there are many other models available. I recently ordered this for my son. I will try to add more on it once I’ve had a chance to see it in action.

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