Biology textbooks claim that a person needs 7-8 hours of sleep. However nowadays in the life of almost every modern citizen there are days and even weeks or months when he/she has to sleep 4-5 hours a day. There are legends about yogis who had never slept, and Napoleon believed that the sleep is just a bad habit.
Of course, the great Napoleon was unable to confirm his words, and we, too, can hardly repeat the deed of Indian yogis. But still the question remains. Is it possible for us – mere mortals – to reduce the time needed for sleep? In fact, the answer is “YES!” There are seven major rules needed to not only significantly reduce our need for sleep, but also make it deeper and healthier.
Relaxation
The ability to relax is not such an insignificant thing as it may seem at first glance. Many qualities such as kindness, optimism, stress resistance are connected to this skill. In the east, the ability to relax is generally considered a sign of holiness, and yoga, one of the main spiritual practices, offers a system of exercises to achieve total relaxation, in which the person receives a secret knowledge. But we will not focus on mysticism, and we can only say that it is important to learn how to relax in order to help the body get rid of the mental garbage and muscle clamps. Otherwise our sleep will not be as deep and healthy. As a result, we will need to sleep more!
Environment
Micro-climate in our bedroom plays a major role here. Excessive heat and cold can significantly increase our need for sleep. And even if we have enough time for having a rest, our feelings and mood next morning will be awful. In addition, it would be very helpful if we have developed the habit to ventilate the room before going to bed, even if we are sure that there is enough fresh air. People have the ability to get used to many things, and you can just ignore the fact that the air in the room is stale.
Food
Food is a very important issue! Do not eat for 5 hours before going to bed! If you can not give up the dinner, then eat steamed vegetables at about 16:00 and warm milk with honey, fennel and nutmeg after 18:00, or just before bedtime. Fennel and nutmeg are those products, which not only help you to relax and fall asleep quickly, but also make you sleep deeper. And the milk at night is a very good decision for those who suffer from a strong desire to have a substantial dinner. Also, if you drink hot milk at night every day it will improve nervous system, and as a result improve memory, learning ability, increases resistance to stress.
Go to bed early
The perfect time for going to bed is 10 PM. Paul Bragg used to say that an hour of sleep before midnight is equal to two hours of sleep after the midnight. And it’s not only his point of view! Thousands of years ago ancient people wrote literally the same information in Hindu Vedas.
Take a warm shower
Taking a warm shower before going to bed is not only hygienic necessity, but also an additional method of relaxation. Take a contrast or a cold shower in the morning and you will be always full of energy!
Forget about sleeping pills and other medicine
Even if you have insomnia, or you cannot fall asleep for a long time, do not take drugs. It is much better to drink chamomile tea. It will calm you down and bring desired relaxation!
Sleep alone
Even if you are madly in love with your mate, sleep separately! For healthy and deep sleep it is better to have another place always peaceful and quiet. And of course it is an awful idea to sleep with a cat or a dog. You can’t imagine how harmful it is!
Try to follow these simple rules and you will be surprised with the results! Sleep well and have a good mood in the morning!
Read this Article in: Français (French)
