For as long as I can remember, I have had difficulty falling asleep. It doesn’t matter how tired I am, I am not one of those people whose head hits the pillow and nods off within 5 minutes. No, that would be my husband. Argh, he drives me crazy saying that he’s not sleepy and then falling asleep instantly, but I digress.
Sleep becomes much easier if I follow a few routines. Regular exercise is key. Exercise is as close to magic as you will get for your health, it’s just good for so many things. I don’t exercise right before bed though, that would be too stimulating. I also don’t watch the news right before bed. That would keep me up half the night. Before bed I like to relax by writing and having drink. No, not the alcoholic kind because those may help you fall asleep initially, but they are not helpful in staying asleep. I like to drink a glass of milk (I like to have cookies with the milk, but I don’t think those help me sleep).
I always thought that milk helping you sleep was an old wives tale or one of my nana’s crazy cures (a lot of which come to find out are not so crazy at all), but apparently the proteins in milk are good for your hair, your muscles, and they help you sleep. I don’t know if the milk helps me sleep because of the protein or if it is psychosomatic, but to be honest I don’t really care…I’m just happy to sleep.
In a way it’s funny that I use milk to help me fall asleep because I also use it to help me way up. Every morning I look forward to starting my day with a cup of cafe con leche. I like my coffee to be about the same color as my paper bag.
Disclosure: This is part of a sponsored campaign with the California Milk Processor’s Board and Latina Mom Bloggers. Connect with The Master of the Glass Half Full on Facebook or follow El Maestro on Twitter for your daily dose of #Positivismo.
And I love coffee with heavy cream and sugar and oh my word, I need coffee now.
I’m having my cafe con leche right now. It’s so good. I have this wonderful insulated mug with a lid that keeps it warm for a super long time because I never get to just sit and enjoy it.
Maybe I should try the milk thing! I was up for hours last night before falling asleep.
I just shared this post in fb. My daughter learned that according to Ayurveda you have to boil the milk three times with cinnamon and cloves, and drink it warm not hot. This is more digestible and helps you to sleep. Have you tried it infused with camomile flowers? It´s really good, soothing and relaxing.
Milk won’t work for me. I’m lactose intolerant. I have trouble falling asleep too. Especially if my husband falls asleep first, then his snoring keeps me awake! Sometimes I have to take a sleep aid or I can’t shut my mind off. It’s as if I am talking to myself in my sleep. Not very restful! And I get sick of hearing myself too!
Yeah, I have the “can’t shut my mind off syndrome” too. It is exhausting. Sleep aids make me all groggy the next day.
I like my coffee the same color as me!
New follower here. Love your Blog and really love your paper bag. Awesome…ness. I agree with you on the milk to help sleep, only I don’t think of it until I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t get back to sleep. A small glass helps then, too.
Terri
Milk is very calming n soothing make me sleeptight 🙂
http://www.baby-pose.blogspot.com
Did you say cookies and milk?!?!?! I must go get some.
Sweet dreams…
jj
I try not to drink anything before I go to bed or I’ll need to pee during the night. 😀
I have problems getting to sleep at night sometimes, too. I should try the glass of milk before bedtime a try one of these days.
–How about a nice glass (or two) of red wine ??? x
My Inner Chick
http://myinnerchick.com
Milk eh? Well I must give it a go cos I too find it hard to get to sleep. And my hubby is like yours, out like a light.
If I have coffee after lunch I’m sure to be up late. I never tried milk before bed but my kids sure loved hot milk when they were toddlers. Couldn’t fall asleep without it!
I use to drink my coffee with milk, now I drink black coffee. But I love milk in hot chocolate before bed. With toast and peanut butter!
I will try the milk…with my ambien. I kid you. And we take our coffee the exact same way. So funny.
Best,
Tina