Studies are now showing poor sleep could actually lead to illnesses including psychiatric conditions, attention deficit disorder, post traumatic stress and depression. That’s a cheery thought!

Sleep problems have long been associated with mental health conditions, but it was believed that they were a side effect of the disease. Now, however, scientists reckon that sleeping difficulties could be the causes of some mental health problems.

If you’re having Sleep Problems

Rituals : Anyone who cared for a baby knows about rituals, now use a ritualistic approach yourself to prepare for sleep.

• Relax at least an hour before bedtime
• Put a few droplets of lavender oil on your pillow
• Make sure your night clothing is comfortable and cool
• Do some deep breathing – breathe in deeply for four counts, watching your stomach rise, and then breathe out for four counts-for about ten minutes (60 breaths)
• Imagine your best dreams that could happen.

Teach yourself to fall asleep in a regular schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends

It takes approximately three weeks for your body to permanently adjust to routine. That’s not very long at all. If you still feel you need some outside help, try a sleep relaxation CD.

Sleep Solutions (The Calming Collection)Sleep meditation techniques for a drug-free solution.

Roberta Shapiro, an experienced hypnotherapist with a wonderful soothing voice, coaches the listener into falling asleep.

These techniques not only help insomnia, but anxiety as well. I recommend listening to the CD on a portable CD player with headphones or put it on your iPod.

After listening a number of times, you learn her relaxation techniques so you’re able to fall asleep on your own.

If you look at the 35 symptons of menopause you notice these signs

• Trouble sleeping through the night (with or without night sweats)
• Crashing fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating, disorientation, mental confusion

which can indeed be symptoms of menopause, but also can be signs that you just don’t have enough energy to get through each day.

Let’s be serious here, a slowing down of your energy and vitality is a sign of aging – but you can stave off the fatigue of approaching old age by consciously striving to maintain and expand your energy.

At our stage of life, we can’t take anything for granted, we have to work to keep ourselves on the ball. Just as we have to work on our memory, keeping it sharp by constant mental exercise, we have to be aware of what we are eating, and try to maintain a proper diet so we have enough energy to go about our daily business. We need more energy than we did before, but it takes a while longer to build up.

How to boost your energy : First and foremost you need a good diet, exercise and plenty of sleep. If you drag yourself out of bed in the morning unable to wake up properly, then a look at your eating habits may be in order.

Kick start your day with energy giving foods, there are plenty to choose from on your supermarket shelf – all sorts of muesli, bran, wheat, rice, soya and nut mixtures. Actively seek fruit to eat, and buy what is seasonal and as fresh as possible.

We all know that we have to pay special attention to our diet now. We can no longer get away with the rushed snacks and the instant fix-it junk food.

Drink plenty of water. Cool, clear water helps you through physical or emotional activity. If you get a craving for an instant energy boost in the form of sugar, have water and fruit juice instead. Sip it slowly. Imagine the clear water filtering through you, cleansing, refreshing and revitalising, sending energy through with each sip. Savour it.

Don’t use coffee or tea to give yourself a fleeting burst of artificial energy, kick start your day with energy giving food.

Note : Are you a little anaemic? If you have been experiencing prolonged or heavy bleeding, a lack of iron could be the problem. Please consult your health care provider if you suspect you may have anaemia.

Exercise Is lack of exercise increasing your feelings of fatigue? If you haven’t exercised in some time, start with walking It’s easy and it’s free.

Getting the right amount of exercise can rev up your energy levels and even help you to feel better emotionally. Exercise benefits every part of you, it makes your body produce endorphins, the chemicals that lead you to feel better when you’re unhappy. Exercising makes you look better too.

You need restful sleep to recharge your batteries. Everybody is tired once in a while, but when it’s a constant feeling, day after day, a common reason is, of course, lack of sleep.

Remember: Fatigue that is not relieved by enough sleep, good nutrition, and a low-stress environment should be evaluated by your health care provider. Because fatigue is a common complaint, sometimes depression, grief or a potentially serious cause may be overlooked.