Hot Tips

SWEET DREAMS: So many wonderful herbs, minerals, and vitamins are now available.

Instead of jumping right into the pharmaceutical panaceas and quick fixes, take the time to research what Mother Earth has created for you. She never ceases to amaze or disappoint. See our "Hot" Minerals", "Hot" Supplements", and "Cooking" with Dr. Marianne for a few suggestions.

Go to bed and wake up at the same time every night, even on the weekends. You need a cold, dark, quiet place. Soothing tapes and CDs with earphones can often help you get rid of the "monkey mind" of jumbled thoughts and to-do lists. Try a book on tape. You'll probably never finish it. Recommended room temperature can go a low as 64 degrees. Furnish earmuffs and mittens for your bedmate.

Your 30 minute morning walk (see De-Stressing) will definitely help you sleep better. If A.M. exercise is not possible, be sure to try to get some form of exercise late afternoon or early evening. If you exercise at 8:00 P.M., you may find yourself watching the Home Shopping channel at 1:00 A.M.. This could be very dangerous.

Splurge and buy the highest thread count sheets you can find. You're worth it.

Think about installing an overhead fan in your bedroom. This will cool you and the entire room, summer and winter. If you know how to turn off your electricity and can read simple directions, any overhead light can be easily converted to a light/fan. All you will need are two sturdy ladders and one good friend to help.

Try keeping a stash of natural fruit popsicles in your freezer. A cool shower before bedtime, though often recommended, could tend to make you less sleepy. A glass of ice water will probably tax your bladder at 2:00 A.M., thereby interrupting your hard-earned REM sleep. A nice, cold popsicle can accomplish a cozy evening cool down without much fuss and bother. Savor it slowly, preferably in the dark. Be careful where you leave the sticks.

Sleep naked. That way, your partner gets something out of menopause, too.

 

~ more hot tips ~

 

"Information supplied by FLASHionables, Inc. is not intended, nor should it be construed, as a substitute for medical advice. Always consult your health care provider to make sure your complaints are menopause related and follow his or her advice before changing your dietary regimen."