Getting a Good Night's Sleep

Ever since I was a child, I have resisted going to bed at night. I’m not the only one with “night-owl-itis.” All my siblings too have this “thing” about wrapping up the day. Recently I have been thinking about changing this pattern. So I did a little research on why it is so important to go to sleep at a reasonable hour.
While we sleep our organs rest and restore themselves. Chinese medicine has identified the times of the day that each of the internal organs restore themselves. The organs of the Solar Plexus restore themselves during the night hours:
9 - 11pm: Thyroid / Adrenals
11pm – 1am: Gallbladder
1 – 3am: Liver
3 – 5am: Lungs
5 - 7am: Large Intestines
Note that the Solar Plexus is connected with the Immune System and ones relationship with oneself. Going to bed at a reasonable hour is an essential aspect of caring for oneself.
Here’s a list of things that may help to prepare for a good night’s sleep:
• Establish a set time in which would like to be in bed and asleep;
• Reserve your bed for sleeping, rather than for working, watching T.V., or studying.
• Turn off the TV or computer at least 30 minutes before your planned bed time;
• Spend 15 to 30 minutes winding down by making the time to be quiet, meditate, read, journal, or listen to soft music;
• Perform deep-breathing exercises to facilitate relaxation: e.g. Wholeness Exercise or Mindfulness Exercises. Reiki self-healing can also help relax and prepare you for sleep.
• Take a hot bath or shower before bed; Add 10 drops of Lavender Essential Oil to the bath.
• Put 5 drops of Lavender Essential oil in oil diffuser near your bed, or slip a handkerchief with a few drops of lavender into your pillowcase.
• Make sure the room is completely dark with no light leaks.

Good night and sweet dreams!