While it might not be the first and most apparent consideration when thinking about a good night’s sleep, it turn out that how we take ourselves to sleep impacts the nature of our sleep quite a bit. In a world that seems to value what we do over how we actually are, it make sense that our sleep routines focus on doing rather than being. Sleep in your bed. Turn out the lights. Keep a schedule. Minimize screen time. Don’t exercise before bed.

All those things are good and true and help. But how *are* you when you go to sleep? How are you *being* when you take yourself to bed? It turns out that cultivating a grateful state of being  can help us sleep longer and better. A grateful mood helps significantly. This November, we’re being grateful for everything we have, yes, but we’re doing it before bed.

Consider keeping a gratitude journal! It’s easy, it can be fun, and study after study confirms myriad health benefits, not just a peaceful, more sound sleep. In one study, in fact, people keep a gratitude journal slept on average an entire 30 minutes more each night. They also had an easier time waking up and felt more refreshed and awake during the day compared to those who didn’t practice gratitude.

Troubled sleep patterns can be rooted in any number of things and there are a number of sleep specialists that will know what to look for and be able to run the appropriate tests to accurately diagnose the cause of your symptoms. Along with that, they can provide more extensive solutions to the symptoms, such as special splints, night appliances, or prescription medications. But Dr. Bezbatchenko and all of us here are looking toward developing a daily practice of gratitude. Try it today and see how it works for you. We wish you solid night’s sleep and a grateful November!