Energy for moms: Chronic Fatigue and sleep

Posted in Health & Wellness / Women's Health / Conditions

Let's face it -- motherhood zaps your energy. We run ourselves ragged and often forget to take time out to rejuvenate and re-energize. Jon Gordon, author of "Become an Energy Addict":, offers some tips to help you keep your batteries charged.

Your question:
I have had CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome) for more than 20 years and am always looking for new ways to energize myself. One of my big challenges is sleep. I have always been a light sleeper -- difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. I do take medication when it is absolutely necessary, but would prefer not to. Any suggestions?

The Energy Addict answers:
Here are some tips to falling asleep: Take a walk after dinner. This raises your body temperature. When you go to sleep your body temperature has farther to fall so it settles you into a deeper sleep.

I'm sure you know that avoiding caffeine will also help you sleep better. Also eating complex carbohydrates (not refined carbs or those loaded with sugar) are known to have a relaxing affect so you may want to have a light carbohydrate snack after dinner to help you fall asleep. Don't drink a lot of water at night which can keep you awake if you have to go to the bathroom.

Write in your journal before bedtime to clear your mind. Do some deep breathing exercises to relax yourself before bedtime. As you are trying to fall asleep say, "I deserve to fall asleep. Now is my time to rest and recharge." Make bed time a ritual and go to bed each night a the same time. This will help you get in sync with your natural energy cycles. In other words you will find your rhythm. While sleeping, make sure you have a comfortable bed. Make sure your room is dark and quiet. Make your bedroom a haven. Make sure you don't work or eat in your bedroom. It should only be for sleep and you know............ Also, make sure stress is not causing your sleep problems. If they are use stress reduction techniques to deal with your stress during the day and this will help you sleep better at night.

Lastly, visit www.sleepfoundation.org for more helpful information and tips on sleeping better. Let me know how if these tips work.

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