When you don't sleep enough, your cortisol levels rise. Can you say stress hormone?? Yikes, raised Cortisol levels means something is not lining up in your body... and as Elsa sings, "you've got to let it go." Cortisol also activates reward centers in your brain that make you crave sugary foods or perhaps sandwiches. Getting between seven and nine hours' of sleep nightly helps keep blood pressure and cholesterol levels under control and can help combat Cortisol levels as well.

"So how do I do this with kids, dogs and all of life's usual distractions you ask?"

I'd like to share with you some of my favorite bedtime rituals. If you are the type of person that sits up at night worrying about your to-do list for tomorrow these might help:

Write in a Journal

Writing out what you are grateful for each night before sleeping will help refocus your mind on the positive things in your life. This in turn will allow you to slumber off without worrying about what tomorrow might bring. If you still have trouble falling asleep, pick on item from your journal and practice visualization every aspect of this item, what does it feel like, smell like, taste like, how do you feel when you are have this item or are doing this thing?

Hot, Hot, Hot

Research shows that a hot shower or cup of hot tea will help your body relax. Try any non-caffeinated organic tea with a little honey or lemon. Hot tea is perfect for days when stress runs high and will help you sleep better. If Tea is not your thing, then go for a nice steaming shower. Hot water helps your muscles relax and when your muscles relax the rest of you will soon follow.

Melatonin

The hormone melatonin plays a role in your natural sleep-wake cycle. Natural levels of melatonin in the blood are highest at night. My favorite melatonin supplement is The Sleep spray, which is part of a Brain and Sleep Support System. I use this supplement each night to help me stay in deep sleep longer. When your body is able to sustain longer hours of deep sleep, you wake feeling refreshed and renewed.

Bedtime Belly Buster

Another favorite bedtime routine is the BBB or Bedtime Belly Buster. I love helping my body fight fat while I sleep and that's actually what the BBB is designed to do.

Did you know that consuming protein before bedtime can help you feel fuller and boost your metabolic rate? The Bedtime Belly Buster (or BBB) is an amazing bedtime snack that uses IsaPro with Fruits or Greens to combat late-night cravings. This helps keep you stay on track to burn belly fat while you sleep! To order your own BBB Click Here.

At the end of the day the best gift you can give yourself is a good nights sleep. Here wishing you sweet, restful dreams!