ONE TIP FOR HEADING OFF TO DREAMLAND

I don't know about you, but if I don't get a good night's sleep I am cranky as an old bear the next day. Mama may have told you that being tired from lack of sleep is just a normal part of aging, but although sleep patterns may change as we grow older, being tired, and disturbed sleep are not normal. (Don't tell her I said that. I don't want to get the evil eye.) 

Sleeping well is a very important part of our physical and emotional well being. Sleep helps to repair cell damage and aids in our memory function. In other words we just feel and function better when we get a good night's sleep. 

If insomnia is a chronic problem or lasts for more than a few days it is important to talk to your doctor about it. However, I have found something that not only works for my occasional insomnia, but is natural as well. After my second knee replacement I was having a really difficult time going to sleep and my physical therapist, who was also over the age of 50, told me that her doctor told her to drink 4 ounces of tart cherry juice an hour before going to bed. 

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Turns out tart cherry juice is naturally melatonin rich. As an added benefit, tart cherry juice contains many antioxidants and anti inflammatory agents. You can read all about it's benefits here.

I'll toast to that. So bottoms up and pucker up. There is nothing more serene than a good nights sleep.