Many people are trying to function on too little sleep.
This is not surprising, considering our fast paced society.
We stay up late spending time on the computer, watching TV or working, thinking that we can somehow make up for it later.
But it doesn't work that way with the body.
Sleeping in on the weekend is not going to make up for all the hours of inadequate sleep missed during the week.
The body needs deep sleep, that Rapid Eye Movement also know as REM sleep, to help the body rest and repair.
REM sleep also helps the body to be more creative, coming up with solutions to problems that are not possible in non REM sleep.
But when you're not getting the deep rest you need, it's hard to wake up in the morning feeling energized.
Most people need stimulants like coffee to get them going.
Most people don't have natural energy anymore.
When was the last time you woke up feeling energized, ready to start the day? If you can't remember, it's time to do something about it.
The first step is to prepare the body for sleep.
Parents do this with their children.
They know that children need a half hour or more to wind down for sleep.
There are certain daily patterns that signal the body it's time for rest.
Bathroom rituals, perhaps having a warm bath, can signal the brain it's time to slow down.
Using calming essential oils like bergamot and lavender in the bath can help calm the nervous system.
It's also a good idea to turn down the lights, as this signals the brain night is coming.
Too often, we keep the lights too bright in the evening, so the body is getting revved up instead of slowing down.
Start turning the lights down an hour or more before bedtime to help signal the brain that sleep is coming.
Perhaps a warm drink such as an herbal tea can help calm the body.
Certain herbs like chamomile help relax the nervous system.
Avoid drinks too close to bedtime - an hour or more beforehand is when you should have a warm drink.
Avoid drinks like hot chocolate and even decaf coffee.
Both have caffeine which will stimulate the body.
Massaging the body with essential oils blended in a massage oil can also help the body with better sleep.
If no one is available to do the massage, self massage can be effective too.
Even massaging the tummy and chest in slow circular motions can help the body ease into a deeper, more restful sleep.
Finally, making sure you get adequate sleep is just as important.
Rather than burning the midnight oil, realize that you will be less productive when you're body is operating without adequate rest.
Most people under-estimate the amount of sleep they need.
Try the practices above and aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.