Part 2: Sleep Soundly...

Part 2: simple ideas for a restful sleep

Did you read the first part of this list in Monday's blog post? 

If you are struggling with a good night’s sleep I hope you found something 

there that will help to bring you closer to a normal and 

rested sleep pattern again.

If not, you may find one of the ideas in the second half of my list 

to be your answer…

1.      De-clutter your bedroom. If the room you sleep in makes you groan because

 it’s constantly messy or over-crowded, it’s definitely not helping your mood 

as you head to bed each night. Let your bedroom be a calm sanctuary 

that invites rest.

2.     Don’t watch or read anything ‘exciting’ before heading to bed. 

Instead, make time to go outside and let the cares of the day fall away; 

breathe deeply of the night air; look up at the stars and pray for all in 

your home to have sweet rest; listen to the sounds of the night; 

let go of tomorrow’s to-do list; forgive those who have upset you today; 

then lights out, and tip toe off to bed.

3.     Do you need a new pillow? 

I discovered two years ago that my pillow was too fluffy and this was why I 

woke every day with a stiff neck. Now I sleep on a very thin pillow and no 

longer have any of the neck problems that left me exhausted each dawn.

4.    Many of my children would stave off bedtime because they were hungry. 

I didn’t believe them for the longest time, but when I got down to the last 

couple of kids, I would butter them a plain piece of bread as they toddled off 

to bed and they’d gobble it up and sleep soundly afterwards! 

Since then I have learned that a small carbohydrate meal before bed helps 

many people sleep well - even me. If I’m particularly restless, and nothing 

else has worked, I have half a honey sandwich or a couple of plain digestive 

biscuits (cookies) with a herbal tea. It has worked 'many' times.

5.     Avoid all caffeinated drinks and foods for four or five hours before retiring. 

I enjoy my coffee, but am strict with having my last cup at 5pm each day. 

Whilst many know that coffee, cola and caffeinated tea are a no-no before bed, 

do you know that chocolate can be just as sleep objective? 

Keep the chocolate bar for daytime treats and choose something fresh 

and fruity after dinner instead.

6.    Lastly, make the little treat I’m sharing below – Lemon Posset. 

It will definitely assist your night time travels to the Land of Nod and 

those sweet dreams!

I discovered this recipe in Jane Brocket's marvellous book of recipes from children's literature, and it has proved to be a favourite 'comfort' drink for my Blossom ever since.

 

Lemon Posset

600 ml full cream milk (about around 2¼ cups)

1 egg, beaten well

Grated rind of a lemon

Freshly grated nutmeg - about ½ teaspoon

3 teaspoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon of brandy (or a teaspoon of brandy essence for children)

Warm the milk until just below boiling point, and remove from heat. Whisk in the lemon rind and nutmeg.

Whisk in the brown sugar. Add the brandy or essence.

Add the beaten egg slowly, whisking as you drizzle it into the milk mixture to avoid the egg becoming scrambled.

Pour the posset into tea cups or mugs.

Grate a little more nutmeg across the top before serving.

Sip slowly. And thoroughly enjoy.

 I think I'd better go to the fruit shop.

I need lemons to make something...

hugs (oops! I mean, sweet dreams)