Q: Is it possible to “catch up” on sleep? I sleep in on the weekends to make up for the lack of sleep during the week, but I still feel very tired all day.
Your body works best with a routine rhythm. Sleeping in actually throws off your body clock and leaves you feeling tired. It is best to get seven to eight hours of sleep every night and have a consistent bedtime and wake-up time. If you are going through a period of your life where this is not possible, try to take a 15-minute midday powernap during your day to perk up. Even closing your eyes and relaxing for five minutes can reduce stress and give you the energy you need for the rest of the day.
Q: I usually fall asleep quickly, but I wake up a couple of times every night. What can I can do for that?
I suggest taking the Calm-Fort, my Chinese herb formula that helps deep sleep and relaxation one hour before bedtime. Avoid drinking alcohol as it will cause you to wake up in the middle of the night, and also avoid drinking any fluids 3 hours before bedtime. Try meditation before bedtime to program your subconscious mind to not wake you up. I have a meditation perfectly suited for this purpose on a CD calledMeditation for Stress Release. Peaceful sleeping!
Q: I was wondering if I can take the Calm-Fort Sleep and Calming formula less often than 3 times a day. Can I also continue taking my regular vitamins, B complex vitamins, and glucosamine-sulfate if I take Calm-Fort?
If you are taking Calm-Fort to help you sleep then you only need to take it before bedtime. Otherwise, it can be taken to help you relax and reduce anxiety and stress anytime of the day, as you need it. Many people choose to take it three times a day because it helps them diffuse all that tension.
Q: Is there anything I can do about having sleep apnea? I feel foggy all day and can barely stay awake at work.
Sleep apnea is a common condition in which people stop breathing multiple times during the night and wake up gasping for air. Here are some natural solutions that may help:
1) If you are overweight, slim down; excess fatty tissue in the back of the throat can obstruct the upper airway, which causes you to stop breathing.
2) Sleep on your side, never on your back.
3) Don’t get overtired. Take a short powernap during the day, pace yourself, and try to establish a consistent sleep pattern. If nothing helps, see your doctor and get a breathing device called a CPAP that delivers oxygen at night.
May you live long, live strong, and live happy!
—Dr. Mao