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How to Sleep Well (Saturday's Sleep Number TSV can help!)

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I love my job, but it's h*** on the sleep schedule. ${#emotions_dlg.biggrin}$ I spend a lot of time figuring out what I am, and what I'm not, willing to do to get enough sleep. Enough sleep can't guarantee a great day, but a lack of sleep can guarantee a miserable one. Since a regular sleep schedule is not possible with my hours, I've found a number of things that can help.

1. Create a ritual.

For a while now, I've been playing a little Sudoku before I go to sleep. Not the really challenging kind, but the kind that's just difficult enough to get me focused so I can get my mind off my day. Now, when I go to bed and play Sudoku, my brain starts saying it's time to go to sleep.

2. Action or notes.

If there are things that have to be done the next day, they'll keep my mind going so I can't sleep. If it's something simple, like cleaning the bedroom, I'll do it before I go to bed. If not, I'll write myself a note so I remember to do it in the morning.

3. Listen to your stomach.

I can't sleep if I'm hungry. Even if I manage to fall asleep, I'll inevitably wake up in a few hours. So, if my stomach is yelling, I'll get a high-protein snack. ${#emotions_dlg.biggrin}$

4. What triggers you?

Some people can ignore a television in the room, but I can't. I've found that I do better if I turn it off a bit before bedtime.

5. If possible, design your room with sleep in mind.

What colors do you find the most soothing? Is your room your home office or gym as well? Is there too much furniture? Too much mess? The demands of our lives make it hard to not turn your bedroom into whatever is most convenient. But if it's reserved for the important things, you won't be distracted by the rest of it.

6. Two words: EAR PLUGS!

No really. I love them and can't sleep without them. Try to find ones that have a higher number like 32 or 33 to really get some quiet.

7. Turn off the technology.

I use my cell phone as my alarm clock. But, I turn off the ringer, I make sure vibrate is off, and it's face-down so I can't be woken up with it. If you want to be on my bad side, wake me up with a phone call to sell me something. NOT!

8. The right sheets.

Sheets are what we make the most contact with and can be very important in how well we sleep. I love the sheets with something special to offer…something like a very high thread count, Egyptian cotton, Supima cotton, bamboo, etc. I noticed there are some good options on QVC.com. ${#emotions_dlg.biggrin}$

9. The right bed!

If you're not comfortable, you're not sleeping well. Period. I've been sleeping on a Sleep Number bed for a few years and love it. I love the fact that I can adjust it whenever I want. It's like having a different bed every night if you like. I guess what got me started thinking about sleep this week is the Sleep Number bed coming up as Saturday's Today's Special Value. It's an amazing value. We're even offering the option of an adjustable frame bed if you'd like to sleep with a little elevation, which is great for reading (or Soduku)! I haven't tried the adjustable frame, but I'm really looking forward to trying it. I have a friend who has an adjustable frame Sleep Number bed who said it was "life-changing."

Count me in! ${#emotions_dlg.biggrin}$