Thursday, April 24, 2008

Some Success...

I have lately gotten better sleep than I have for quite awhile. Combining a focus on sleep hygiene, including a more or less consistent bedtime, and doing Sudoku puzzles on paper in bed until my sleep medication kicks in (and which seems to be helping me to not surface from sleep very often now) has yielded some good results. I will also put on some gentle music in the background (for about 40 minutes, on a timer) to also help me drift off to sleep.

I take the medication at bedtime and not before so that as soon as it starts to work I can just turn off the light and close my eyes.

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Staying awake is important too...

I know, I know, this is supposed to be about how to GET sleep, but it might be helpful to read about some things people do to stay awake when working when you have not gotten enough sleep. This article has some interesting tips which boil down to (depending on your circumstances):

  1. Stand up
  2. Take a nap (NOTE: Careful here as this could also interfere with getting to sleep later)
  3. Change your scenery
  4. Keep busy
  5. Eat something
  6. Crank up the music (for those few who can at work)
  7. Find a job you enjoy

Friday, April 11, 2008

The Business of Sleep Disorders

This is an interesting blurb hawking a report on the pharmaceutical market for sleep disorders.

Interesting info on Ambien IR losing its patent and the expectation of what generics will do in its place.

Sunday, April 6, 2008

Position, Position, Position

Although I suspect that many who write articles on dealing with sleep problems don't actually experience the issue themselves, I think that the point that drugs should be a last resort and not taken forever is fair advice for some.

For example, there is great information in this article about the position of your head and body when in bed (and thus the title of this post :-) ) .

There are two main tips to remember:
  • spine placement is important and therefore the fetal position on your side is best for your normal spinal curves. A small pillow between your knees or thighs to prevent shifting from that position is recommended. Sleeping on your back is almost as good (I don't like it myself) if you have something supporting the small of your back.
  • the right pillow to keep the correct posture is important, keeping the proper alignment of your neck and head while you sleep. Sleeping without a pillow is not recommended.