Sleep. Please.

1. insomnia (in-som-nee-uh)
Noun: The state of sleep loss. No matter how much you desire dreamland, it refuses you entry. You stand at the gates, whining, crying, but are stuck in the world of buzzing activity. (Source: Urban Dictionary)

I blame the megabug that has half the city coughing on my weird sleep schedule lately. Between the restless nights and groggy morning, I was tempted to declare war against my alarm many times. Instead of taking my frustrations out on electronics, I decided to do a little research instead. This Friday is all about the sleep cycle. Sweet Dreams! xoxo

Five Effective Natural Sleep Aids:

1. Melatonin – Studies suggest that this supplement taken 30-60 minutes before sleep helps aid in falling asleep faster, better sleep and morning alertness.
2. Chamomile – This plant can reduce anxiety, calm the digestive system and relieve muscle tension.
3. Exercise – Working off that built up stress and muscle tension with exercise such as running or yoga can promote deep sleep.
4. Aromatherapy – Try a lavender satchel under your pillow at night. Research shows lavender helps lengthen sleep time, increase deep sleep and make people feel more refreshed. Sorry gentlemen, it also shows lavender is more effective on ladies.
5. Diet – I saved this sleep aid as last, because it is my least favorite. Research shows cutting out caffeine post noon and avoiding sweets are effective ways to encourage sleep. I am embarrassed to admit that I would probably choose coconut gelato and cappuccino versus sleep any day.

Five Ways to Wake Up Refreshed:

1. Get Moving – Doing an activity first thing in the morning gets your blood flowing. Try 5 minutes of activity right after your alarm goes off.
2. Make a Morning Date – If you are excited for coffee with the girls or breakfast with your favorite boy, it is highly likely you won’t need to combine this with any other technique.
3. Cool Water – One full glass of cool water first thing in the morning not only jump starts your metabolism, but also your brain. Get to gulping!
4. Make Your Bed – After walking over to shut off your annoying alarm, you should make your bed. This will discourage you from flopping back down into mattress heaven. (Much harder when you are the first person out of bed in the morning… I know, I know don’t you just want to cuddle up for 5 more minutes?)
5. Sunlight – The sun helps the body’s internal biological clock reset itself, so open all the windows and let the sun shine in as soon as you open your eyes.