Dr. Mao's 8-Week Program - Week 2 Sleep

This focused on sleep.  Now this is one area I really don't have a problem with, especially after I quit drinking.  In fact, neither of us have a big problem with it, but since it is part of the program, we decided to do it.  I have to admit, though, I did it a bit half heartedly.

Our tasks for the week were:

1. Cut back on coffee - Now this has been something I have been working on for awhile for precisely this reason.  I really effected my sleep.  As I am getting older I am becoming much more sensitive to caffeine.   I just to be able to drink until 3 or 4 pm and sleep fine, but that is not the case anymore.  It totally keeps me up.  What I have done to cut down is to bring my own coffee to work in little thermos Joey got me from Costco.  It holds just enough for about 1 large cup of coffee.  I use what's left over from what I make each morning.  Also, since I am not buying coffee anymore I am not tempted to get other treats at the coffee shop.  Also, while $2 a day does not seem like anything major it adds up over the course of a year - $520!  I can put that money towards a trip and get a good night's sleep!

2. Imbibe herbs to sleep tight - I have said it before and I will say it again, I don't really like tea.  I bout Alvita Valerian-Mint Tea for this step, but honestly I didn't drink it every night.  I like to watch a bit of TV with Mojoe before I sleep, so I don't really have time for tea.  However, if you need tea this is the one that has the ingredients you need.

3. Create a peaceful place for sleep - I think we have a pretty peaceful sleeping area, but it could use a bit of straightening up!  I did not do that this week, but I do have a peaceful sleeping space.  One thing that Joey and I bought a couple of years ago is memory foam mattress topper.  I did not get the exact one I am linking to, but that gives you the idea.  These are truly wonderful.  When I first got ours I ended up getting one for both our moms and a couple of friends.  At the time, I found a great deal on one at SmartBargains.com.  They can have some great deals on bedding and have much better prices than Overstock.  In fact, the Big O is a big no for me.

4. Stretch yourself to sleep - It's amazing how just a little stretching can totally relax you, especially if you don't do it regularly.  The book provided some very simple stretches and I did find them helpful.

5. Practice sleep-friendly meditation - This is something I have practiced for years, but it's good to remember.  The book goes through an easy way to calm your mind and relax your body starting with your head and moving to your feet.  I usually do it the opposite way, but you get the idea.  I also find it extremely helpful to imagine myself in my favorite quiet place.  However you do it, it's important to get all those random thoughts out of your head so you can fall asleep.  They will be taken care of in your dreams, but you need to get there first!

So, our second week is done and we are on to the third - Create Energy and Stamina.  Now, this one I can use!  I have decided that I am going to try to continue to cut back on my coffee intake throughout the rest of the weeks along with my water intake, which I have been quite successful at!  Also, some of our diet books are coming in and we are going to soon have to make a decision on what diet plan we are embarking on.  That should be interesting.