It's National Sleep Awareness Week!! March 11-17, 2018.
I find sleep fascinating. In addition to my own personal and family sleep journeys -- I regularly put adults to sleep on my massage table. I'm always ready to learn a little more so I can get a slightly better night's sleep. Here are a few books I've read over the past few months that are offer comprehensive
(And, of course, I'm a working mom, so I listened to these on Audible -- walking, driving -- stacking my life!!)
Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams
This one was powerful. By sleep researcher Matthew Walker, it provides a thoughtful and comprehensive (and accessible!!) tour of what we know about sleep - why we need it, how much we need, how much of which types of sleep, what really happens in sleep deprivation, what science really says about sleeping medications (not good!!!), what are dreams and why do we need them. It also includes a more in depth look at "sleep hygiene" and what we know really works to help people better their sleep quantity and quality. He also looks at sleep deprivation as a dangerous epidemic with far reaching public health problems -- impacting everything from diabetes, obesity, cancer to Alzheimers to the danger of too early morning start times for high schoolers. While I usually roll my eyes at the standard "sleep hygiene" list -- he had me reconsidering it and being honest with myself about how much I really comply with "sleep hygiene." (This is NOT an affiliate link.)
Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to a Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success
This is a really comprehensive guide to sleeping better -- based on research and full of way more than just the usual "top ten" sleep hygiene list. It is not at all specific to women's health, but it's a great start -- it is based on working WITH your innate physiology and the reality that a good night's sleep starts when you first wake up in the morning. Best part? An ENTIRE chapter on getting regular massage as an important strategy for maximizing your sleep!!! (This is NOT an affiliate link.)
Support yourself toward better sleep with regular massage -- schedule today!