Did you know that women need more sleep than men? It’s true! A recent study showed that women tend to multi-task and use more of their actual brain than men (sorry guys!) leading to a greater need for sleep. We lose sleep for various reasons, including pregnancy, menopause and hot flashes, movement of our partners since men are usually larger (can I add that they snore a lot?), and laying in bed worrying about problems, to do lists, etc.

There are many healthy things we can do to combat insomnia like routines, regular exercise, limiting caffeine and alcohol (though caffeine needs seem to increase as sleep decreases, don’t you think?), and improving your sleep space. You should also consider blue light blocking glasses for the evenings, or at least setting the filters on your phone and tablet to block the blue light that inhibits melatonin production.

I have spent the last couple weeks tossing, turning, laying in bed, and wishing my brain would shut up long enough for me to actually fall asleep. I was at my wits’ end! Even though I work from home, I can’t sleep in all day! Plus I have three children to care for and homeschool. Too many nights in a row of poor sleep was taking its toll on me.

A really easy (and effective!) method of falling asleep I tried recently is guided meditation, and it’s making a huge difference for me! This on in particular by Moments of Magic Guided Sleep Meditations manages to knock me out every time. I actually had to keep myself awake to hear more of what he says so I could share it with you! In addition to relaxation and positive sleep affirmations, his words guide you to be bathed in positivity, let negativity go, and improve your overall well-being. If you ever lay in bed at night just wishing you could quiet your mind and go to sleep, this podcast is for you!

Nightlight Sleeping Meditation