Did you sleep well last night?

It seems that many of us are feeling so stressed that when we finally do get into bed for a little shut-eye, we just can't sleep. With the current economic environment and concerns about foreclosures, company stability, and job security, it is no wonder that many people are losing sleep.

This vicious cycle of stress and sleeplessness is very hard on our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. When we don't get enough sleep, we are more likely to be accident prone, short-tempered, and susceptible to illness. We all need to take special care of ourselves during periods of uncertainty and stress, and there are things we can do can do to encourage good sleep, no matter what may be going on around us. This is what I want to share with you this week.

Many people are under the misconceptions that vigorous exercise or a nice glass of wine before bed will tire out or relax one enough to sleep. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Alcohol before bed can actually disrupt your deeper sleep cycle and exercise in the few hours before bed may make you feel tired but it boosts your metabolism and energy levels, so it, too, can disrupt your sleep. And, of course, drinking caffeinated drinks before at bedtime does not encourage shut-eye.

Restful sleep requires a comfortable, quiet, and pleasant environment. If your bedroom isn't relaxing, do what you can to make it feel like a safe and serene oasis. And, it is best to refrain from watching TV just before bedtime, as the hormones released by the bright lights can keep you awake for hours afterwards. If you do happen to have a television in your bedroom, Feng shui experts recommend covering it with an attractive piece of fabric when it is not in use to make your sleep less distracted and more peaceful.

Hopefully, you are getting plenty of restorative and healthful sleep in spite of these uncertain times. However, if you are experiencing sleep difficulties, give these tips a try to see if they help you to sleep more soundly. Right now you need to wake up with the energy to cope with anything that comes your way.

Until next week -- and sweet dreams!