Dolkar Wellness & Longevity: 3 WAYS TO SLEEP BETTER TONIGHT

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

3 WAYS TO SLEEP BETTER TONIGHT

Sleep seems to become more and more precious with each passing year. It's not surprising, given the number of responsibilities most of us juggle on a daily basis. But if you're settling for less sleep, you're doing your health a major disservice. Poor sleep has been linked to everything from accidents and falls to depression and heart disease. So don't live without the sleep your body craves.

Are you ready for more restful sleep? Here are four quick and easy activities you can try tonight to help set yourself up for better sleep:

1. Picture It Where does your mind wander when you're trying to fall asleep? Research suggests that directing your thoughts toward positive, quiet places -- like a warm, quiet, sun-dappled beach -- may help you fall asleep faster.

2. Do It WriteTake time every day to jot down your worries or note how you're feeling. People with insomnia who did this as part of a study fell asleep faster than the people who wrote about their hobbies or didn't write at all. Writing may help you process some of the thoughts that are keeping you up at night.

3. Tense Your ToesCold feet aren't a problem just for nervous brides or grooms. They can cause trouble for poor sleepers, too. Try this for boosting circulation -- and warmth -- in your feet: toe flexing. To do this, lie on your back and close your eyes. Point your toes toward your head, hold for 5 seconds; curl your toes under, hold for 5 seconds; relax. Repeat 10 times. If that doesn't do the trick, slip on a pair of warm socks.

Putting Sleep Problems to RestGetting the ideal amount of sleep each night can make your RealAge as much as 3 years younger. So don't ignore unhealthy sleep patterns. Even if they are only temporary, dealing with them quickly can help prevent them from escalating into chronic insomnia. If practicing good sleep habits isn't helping, ask your doctor about your other options.

Dolkar Wellness wishes you the very BEST night's sleep. If you need more information or some assistance, we're here to help you and your family. Just contact us (480) 313-3726.

RealAge, 2008

ROASTED PEAR-BUTTERNUT SOUP WITH CRUMBLED STILTON

Ingredients:
2 each ripe pears , peeled, quartered and cored
2 pounds butternut squash , peeled, seeded and cut into 2-inch chunks
2 each medium tomatoes , cored and quartered
1 large leek , pale green and white parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced and washed thoroughly
2 cloves garlic , crushed
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt , divided
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 cups vegetable broth or shitaki mushroom
seasoning, divided
2/3 cup crumbled Stilton or other blue-veined cheese
1 tablespoon thinly sliced fresh chives or scallion
greens

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 400°F.

Combine pears, squash, tomatoes, leek, garlic, oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Spread evenly on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast,
stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, 40 to 55 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Place half the vegetables and 2 cups broth in a blender; puree until smooth. Transfer to a large saucepan. Puree the remaining vegetables and 2 cups broth. Add to the pan and stir in the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook the soup over medium-low heat, stirring, until hot, about 10 minutes. Divide among 6 bowls and garnish with cheese and chives (or scallion greens).