Less Think, More Sleep

After seeing my report a few weeks ago about the increased risk of heart attack and stroke in people who sleep less than seven and a half hours a night, viewer DAVID asked me in passing:

How do I get more sleep? My problem is I lie awake thinking about things.

David,

A strategy called "cognitive behavioral therapy" might help.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/insomnia-treatment/SL00013

• Changing your thought processes can change your behavior, i.e. get more sleep.

• You start with a therapist, but eventually you do this on your own.

• Good sleep habits are part of the strategy, too.

Hope this helps!

Dr. Maria

If you have a question for Dr. Maria, please post it in the comments below. Then look for a response in an upcoming post!