How to finally get some sleep!
I’ve never been re a really great sleeper but I started to have an especially hard time sleeping when I was in my late 40’s.
Statistics show that 60% of middle aged women end up experiencing sleep disturbances around menopause. And roughly 40% of women in perimenopause (age 40+) end up experiencing sleep issues. So, if you can’t sleep, know that you’re not alone.
I noticed in my late 40’s that something had changed. My moods were different, I had all sorts of random symptoms and not a lot of answers.
When I asked doctors if they could test my hormones I would get answers like “we don’t do that” or “it’s not possible”.
Here's what I do to SLEEP, so that I can feel my best:
1.Make sleep a priority
Sleep is one of the biggest priorities in my day. If I don’t sleep well, I don’t function my well the next day. I can take all the vitamins in the world, but if I don’t sleep well, I’m just not function at full power. This is why it’s so important to figure out HOW you sleep the best. From the pajamas you wear to your bedding, all the little things are important to take into account. For example, I know that even if I don’t sleep in a tank top, I start sweating and wake up hot. It doesn’t matter if it’s 20 degrees outside, I sleep best without the super warm PJ’s. Figuring these little things out is super important. Using a sleep journal can be super helpful in figuring out what works for you.
2. Sleep habits are more important than you think
It’s called “sleep hygiene”, and man I hate that term, but you get the idea. Are you doing what you need to do to make sure that you do sleep. I start to wind down at about 9PM, if I wait until 10, I know that I haven’t provided myself enough runway to sleep enough.
At 9PM, I make my BEAUTY SLEEP tea. I let it steep for about 10 minutes (because I like my tea strong). Then, I take magnesium (that’s something else that has contributed to me sleeping soundly at night) to make sure I really sleep well.
3. If you can’t find a health provider that believes you, keep searching.
There’s nothing as wonderful as finding a health care provider who really wants to help you. They’re out there. Keep searching.
4. Catch the sleep train!
I took a sleep class (yes, I was that desperate to find answers). One of the things that I learned about was our circadian rhythm. If you’re starting to feel sleepy, that’s your sleep rhythm talking to you. And if you ignore it and stay awake, it could take HOURS (like, 4 hours) until you feel sleepy again. You better hop on that sleep train when you’re feeling sleepy, otherwise it could be hours until you actually get to sleep.
5. If nothing works for me, meditation is the thing
If I’m really feeling anxious and tired and wired all at the same time, meditation is thing that helps me drift off to sleep. Check out meditations on YouTube to see which ones you would really love. I bought a mediation from Dr Joe Dispenza. I still use it occasionally. When I get the point that nothing works I have to remind myself that this a journey. It’s ok if couldn’t sleep. Meditation is another tool in the toolbox that helps me and it might be the real tool for you.
6. Herbal tea can be part of your nighttime routine.
It is important to set up a routine. This kind of consistency helps tell your body that it’s time to sleep. BEAUTY SLEEP tea can become part of that routine.
I just knew there had to be a solution. a nd, there is. Just remember, your solution might be different than other people’s solution. And that’s perfectly fine. The important thing is that you are sleeping
