Sleep Awareness Week is Grea..zzzzzzzzzz — Dave’s Diary

As a guy with sleep apnea I am always on the lookout for sleep information.  I know I’m in good company since many of you tell me you deal with the same issues that sleep apnea creates.

In conjunction with the national time change this Sunday, we are halfway through National Sleep Awareness Week. The good folks at the  National Sleep Foundation. http://www.sleepfoundation.org/  have some tips on how to beat insomnia and get a good night's sleep:

• Do something dull before retiring. Do your taxes, read a phone book, sort your laundry. A little of this boredom goes a long way toward promoting sleep.
• Drink milk before bedtime. Milk contains a substance that relax the body. And the great news is it doesn't even have to be warm to be effective. Warm it only if you like that way.
• Keep the bedroom dark. Light interferes with sleep. Even when your eyes are closed, they still perceive light. Avoid nightlights and illuminated clock dials, and close the shades if light from the outside comes through the window.
• Keep the bedroom cool and the bed warm. The ideal sleeping situation is to be bundled warmly in a snug bed in a room that's well ventilated and a little bit chilly.
• Enjoy herbal tea before bed -- but not too much of it. Many people sip relaxing teas made from chamomile, passionflower, hawthorn and other herbs to help them get their rest.
• Use your bed for only one thing: sleep.  The point is, if you like to read yourself to sleep, or knit or work puzzles, do these activities in a favorite chair or sofa. We want our minds to associate bed with sleep.