Try one or a combination of the following natural sleep suggestions for restful sleep.

. Drink milk before bed to help you drift into a peaceful sleep. Milk contains chemicals that naturally relax the body.

. Take sips of a caffeine free sports drink containing glucose and electrolytes. It will hydrate, induce calm, relieve headache pain and sleeplessness.

. Blood sugar fluctuations can interupt healthy sleep. A protein snack before bed will eliminate hunger and keep your blood sugar levels stable. This will help your body to feel content and relaxed for sleep.

. Exercise during the day to relieve stress and tension. This will help you to feel relaxed at bedtime.

. Write down things that are on your mind so that you can feel peaceful and let go of worries.
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. Eat healthy foods at regular intervals throughout the day to prevent the production of stress hormones and low blood sugar both of which can lead to anxiety and interfere with your sleep.

. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Dehydration can cause sleep and health problems.

. Take calcium before bed as a natural sleep enhancer. Calcium calms the central nervous system and helps to induce deep restorative sleep.

. Magnesium has a calming effect on the brain and nervous system. It can also induce sleep that is restorative for the body, mind and skin.

. Vitamin E is a relaxing vitamin and will help you sleep through the night.

. Take a warm shower or bath as a comforting way to relax your body.

. Use positive talk and affirmations that reinforce healthy attitudes about sleep.

. Avoid drugs, alcohol and nicotine as they stimulate your body and create a stress response. These chemicals inhibit sleep leaving you feeling not well.

. Avoid caffeine as it is a stimulant that remains in the body for long periods of time preventing the deep sleep needed for healing.

. Establish a relaxing routine before bedtime.

. Design your bedroom to look and feel relaxing.

.Sleep on a comforting mattress and pillow that let you feel rested.

.Keep electronic products out of the bedroom or covered, as the electromagnetic rays tend to awaken the body’s internal clock, disrupting sleep.

.Keep work materials away from your sleeping environment. The bedroom should be a place of sleep only. Creating a relaxing bedroom, will help your mind and body to associate the room with sleep.

. Dim the lights, and shut off electronics like the television or computer in the hours prior to sleep. This will help you to unwind and relax. The electric energy from these products stimulates the central nervous system and internal body clock, and this can disturb your body's abilty to relax and sleep.

. If you have trouble sleeping, lie down comfortably and just relax. Keep in mind that it really is ok if you do not sleep, as long as you rest your body. This one thought will help you to let go. Focus only on breathing and resting your body. This will help both your body and mind to relax. Allow comforting images to float in your mind. Imagine yourself floating on a cloud, or in a blue stream of water. Visualize images of peace and serenity. All of these will help you achieve deep relaxation, and drift off into a peaceful sleep.


Danielle Barone is the author of "Healthy Skin: A natural guide to healing the skin and developing a beautiful complexion". For more information on healthy beautiful skin please visit www.lulu.com/healthyskin