Miranda's post about her mornings is an inspiring read - as someone who always gets up early I can attest to the benefits of that kind of start to the day. As to the evenings, Miranda mentions that she's "a difficult sleeper", and so for anyone like her I thought I'd offer a few suggestions from my evening routine which I find aid restful sleep.
I do the following more often than not:
I switch off the computer around 9.00 or 9.30 (I watch almost no television, so podcasts, blogs, websites of interest usually supply my entertainment).
Next, a bath. A shower is fine, but a bath is better for relaxation. I use Olverum which is wonderful stuff.
After that, around 15 minutes of yoga. Again, this is very relaxing; it also helps to keep my dodgy back in reasonable shape.
Off to bed with a good book, but also This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray* (Mr. C. likes it very much, too), Sleep Balm, and Dream Cream for hands and feet. You may not need all these, but I've turned their use into a little ritual, and that in itself helps prepare me for sleep.
I hope that's of some use for anyone who has trouble nodding off. Sweet dreams!
*You could also use a few drops of lavender oil, or pop one or two lavender sachets inside the pillow case.
Melatonin...a natural product...helps many sleep. Me, too.
Posted by: sharon moreland | 19 May 2015 at 03:48 PM
I popped over to read the Miracle Morning post – interesting. I am not a morning person but wish I was. Having got up at 5.30 yesterday to take my daughter to school (for a trip to France) I'm doubtful that I could sustain early rising!
Posted by: Sam | 19 May 2015 at 06:32 PM
I often wake up between 03:00 and 05:00. But I have no difficulty in getting to sleep (even after watching TV, using the computer, drinking coffee at CERN late at night etc.) My advice is just don't worry about it; yes you might wish life were different but certainly for those of us who have passed 50 interrupted sleep patterns become more and more likely. Worrying about it is counter productive. Of course if routines and ritual help then why not use them - I however do not.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 19 May 2015 at 07:21 PM
Thanks so much for sharing my post - I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I like the idea of doing a little yoga before bed, and a bath is so relaxing. The pillow spray sounds rather nice too! I'm a pretty terrible sleeper, but I've definitely been finding putting away technology for an hour before bed is helping a lot. I'm so enjoying my morning routine that creating an evening routine and rituals is, I think, a fantastic idea too! xxx
Posted by: Miranda | 20 May 2015 at 07:43 AM
I will try some of your remedies,I wonder why getting a good nights sleep is so difficult for so many people these days...
Posted by: Kathleen. | 20 May 2015 at 04:08 PM
For those of us who are beginning to become old (ish) like myself, 55, it is an inevitable feature of ageing. For generations past if you were not in the upper echelons of society you probably worked such a long and arduous day that you were truly exhausted. I cannot quickly find evidence that suggests we are actually getting worse at sleeping once confounding factors are taken into account, though I can think of possible reasons, including vehicular noise, light pollution and (possibly) the distraction of a variety of digital media.
Although I now very rarely sleep without wakening in the middle of the night I find no evidence that this affects my ability during the following day.
Posted by: Dark Puss | 20 May 2015 at 09:03 PM
I don't know if this would interest you knitting wise but there is a new KAL starting June 1st through this site. It is the Hydrangea KAL on the right of the sidebar.
http://kelbournewoolens.com/blog/2015/5/introducing-kelbourne-woolens-hydrangea-mkal-2015
Their two previous KALs produced beautiful shawls! Also, the Meadows yarn is so lovely.
Posted by: Kate/Massachusetts | 21 May 2015 at 09:00 PM
Many thanks for the link, Kate! I'd love to join in as I've never taken part in a mystery KAL before, but I'd have to finish a couple of things first ... So many lovely patterns and yarns, so little time!
Posted by: Cornflower | 21 May 2015 at 10:08 PM