How to Sleep Better

by Kaleb Montgomery, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Last time we looked at some of the reasons why we sleep. This time we will explore some ways that can help us sleep better.

Sleep shares something with dating. It is one of those things that the harder we try the less likely we are to succeed. We cannot necessarily control how we sleep. This can be frustrating for me because even if I avoid caffeine, alcohol, heavy meals late and exercise properly I still might not sleep well. Sleep reminds us of the unpredictable power of nature. It reminds us that even with all of our knowledge and technology we are still subject to nature’s whims. We have no ultimate control over sleep and therefore it highlights our vulnerability and helplessness in the face of nature.

To sleep well we have to let go of control. We have to learn to entrust our well being to something other than our conscious self. We have to let the deep, dark and scary sub-conscious mind take over. This realm of dreams is strange and wonderful. The colourful images of our dreams offer us a window to our own unlimited creative potential. Our dreams encourage us to create. In fact creating, by taking our dreams and manifesting that vision into reality, is a great way to increase the possibility of sleep.

Another way to increase the likelihood of sleeping is acting with integrity. Worrying about whether or not we will be caught in our deceptions takes a toll on us. In English the expression “being able to sleep at night” is used to denote that we have acted honourably and that our conscience is clear. As Macbeth will tell you, a troubled conscience leads to troubled dreams and disturbed sleep.

My own struggle with insomnia has led me to be a better person. I find that if I am “cleaner” with my energy, e.g. that I avoid lying, cheating and stealing on all levels, that my conscience is clearer and that I sleep better. The more integrity and honour I act with, the better I sleep. I find that if I try to get an advantage by dishonest means that there is a cost to my actions, my own health. The peace of mind of not having anything to hide is tremendously freeing. Not having to worry about being caught in my deceptions leaves lots more energy for my own health and healing. By acting with integrity my goal is to stop adding skeletons to my already crowded closet. It is much easier and quicker to empty out my closet if I stop adding new things to it.
Our challenge this week is to do the right thing, even if it takes longer or does not payoff in the short run. Come clean. Shelve your pride and admit to someone your role in a problem. Go ahead and tell your mom that it was you that broke the window and not the kid down the street. Then watch and see how much better you sleep.