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	<title>Comments on: A War For Your Soul</title>
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		<title>By: Anna on Guam</title>
		<link>http://blog.michellemoquin.net/?p=5749#comment-8617</link>
		<dc:creator>Anna on Guam</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2009 14:00:24 +0000</pubDate>
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		<description><![CDATA[Sorry, I had trouble getting in. I hope this works. I wanted to tell you mainlanders that the Island got its first mass swine flu shot yesterday.
++++++++++++
Mass Swine Flu vaccination held at UOG

Posted: Dec 04, 2009 7:41 PM
Updated: Dec 04, 2009 7:41 PM

by Michele Catahay

Guam - The Department of Public Health held its first H1N1 Virus influenza mass vaccination point of dispensing at the University of Guam Field House today. This event is the first in a series of mass vaccinations aimed at providing an opportunity for everyone in the target groups to receive the vaccine.

Target groups include all pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than six months, individuals between the ages of six months and 24 years old and people ages 25 through 64 who have chronic health disorders.

Public Health Spokesperson Cindy Hanson says the department will hold several others in the coming weeks, telling KUAM News, &quot;The next H1N1 Virus open vaccination for the general public would be on December 19. That will be here at the Field House and then next Saturday, another one will be held with the Department of Education and that will be at Tamuning Elementary.&quot;
===================
I hope this stems the tide of swine flu deaths on the Island

Hafa adai

Anna]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sorry, I had trouble getting in. I hope this works. I wanted to tell you mainlanders that the Island got its first mass swine flu shot yesterday.<br />
++++++++++++<br />
Mass Swine Flu vaccination held at UOG</p>
<p>Posted: Dec 04, 2009 7:41 PM<br />
Updated: Dec 04, 2009 7:41 PM</p>
<p>by Michele Catahay</p>
<p>Guam &#8211; The Department of Public Health held its first H1N1 Virus influenza mass vaccination point of dispensing at the University of Guam Field House today. This event is the first in a series of mass vaccinations aimed at providing an opportunity for everyone in the target groups to receive the vaccine.</p>
<p>Target groups include all pregnant women, people who live with or care for infants younger than six months, individuals between the ages of six months and 24 years old and people ages 25 through 64 who have chronic health disorders.</p>
<p>Public Health Spokesperson Cindy Hanson says the department will hold several others in the coming weeks, telling KUAM News, &#8220;The next H1N1 Virus open vaccination for the general public would be on December 19. That will be here at the Field House and then next Saturday, another one will be held with the Department of Education and that will be at Tamuning Elementary.&#8221;<br />
===================<br />
I hope this stems the tide of swine flu deaths on the Island</p>
<p>Hafa adai</p>
<p>Anna</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Zen Lill</title>
		<link>http://blog.michellemoquin.net/?p=5749#comment-8615</link>
		<dc:creator>Zen Lill</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 05 Dec 2009 01:14:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.michellemoquin.com/?p=5749#comment-8615</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Misch, will find time to watch these over the weekend I hope, caught the first one, interesting material, thanks. 

Sweet pea, I appreciate your ability to just tell it like it is, the financial gain only aspect which apparently appeals to people who not only lack personal morals but compassionate as well, that&#039;s the sad and terrifying part bc without either people will do anything to anyone for their own gain as you&#039;ve articluately outlined above. As much of a stretch as it is for me, I can understand why you, being who you are, would want to tempt them further...hmmm, I just might also, just to see if they can be bought - and I&#039;d like to believe that not everyone has a price at which they just become like any other whore, I&#039;ll throw out my ZL energy at that thought, the one where President Obama and his whole flock can resist the temptations of the big dollars. 

I know you&#039;re not a callous man (I almost laughed at that, you once thought I was way back when and ouch, I did not like the accusation at all) though given your background, as much as I know about it, I understand why you were before - I am so glad you&#039;re not anymore and it&#039;s one more reason to be grateful for Nia ever being a part of your life. I do believe there is something to learn in every experience with another human, we just have to find what it is, I know you&#039;ve done that with Nia. 

Unfortunately, when someone (like Nia) leaves before we believe their life span should end, their own life lesson might have to take place in another lifetime though their very existence in our life might be the legacy and the lesson they leave for you/us/others, so - they do live on in spirit and principle. Just a personal belief. Would I believe in that if I were to die young myself? Yes, and I think the lesson for people might be different depending on how who it is and how we knew each other and what I might&#039;ve brought &#039;to the party&#039; for them in this life...oops, so sorry, here I am getting all existential on you now : )

Thank you for clarifying your thoughts and position on the subject, I do feel better about it now bc when push comes to shove I do think President Obama and his flock will do the right thing. Someone has to stand for something substantial in this life, in this country right now and he&#039;s a man of integrity as fas as I can see, read about and observed thus far. I could be wrong but I also believe he&#039;s a family man in every aspect of that also. I sure hope so, we can all use a dose of someone whose behavior and beliefs display loyalty, devotion and the belief in the power of love, a deep love for his wife and family. Sound stupid and adolescent? Hmm, maybe so, but if it does, than I&#039;d rather be stupid and adolescent any day.

Be safe wherever you are, Anonz - your Sweet Lilly]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Misch, will find time to watch these over the weekend I hope, caught the first one, interesting material, thanks. </p>
<p>Sweet pea, I appreciate your ability to just tell it like it is, the financial gain only aspect which apparently appeals to people who not only lack personal morals but compassionate as well, that&#8217;s the sad and terrifying part bc without either people will do anything to anyone for their own gain as you&#8217;ve articluately outlined above. As much of a stretch as it is for me, I can understand why you, being who you are, would want to tempt them further&#8230;hmmm, I just might also, just to see if they can be bought &#8211; and I&#8217;d like to believe that not everyone has a price at which they just become like any other whore, I&#8217;ll throw out my ZL energy at that thought, the one where President Obama and his whole flock can resist the temptations of the big dollars. </p>
<p>I know you&#8217;re not a callous man (I almost laughed at that, you once thought I was way back when and ouch, I did not like the accusation at all) though given your background, as much as I know about it, I understand why you were before &#8211; I am so glad you&#8217;re not anymore and it&#8217;s one more reason to be grateful for Nia ever being a part of your life. I do believe there is something to learn in every experience with another human, we just have to find what it is, I know you&#8217;ve done that with Nia. </p>
<p>Unfortunately, when someone (like Nia) leaves before we believe their life span should end, their own life lesson might have to take place in another lifetime though their very existence in our life might be the legacy and the lesson they leave for you/us/others, so &#8211; they do live on in spirit and principle. Just a personal belief. Would I believe in that if I were to die young myself? Yes, and I think the lesson for people might be different depending on how who it is and how we knew each other and what I might&#8217;ve brought &#8216;to the party&#8217; for them in this life&#8230;oops, so sorry, here I am getting all existential on you now : )</p>
<p>Thank you for clarifying your thoughts and position on the subject, I do feel better about it now bc when push comes to shove I do think President Obama and his flock will do the right thing. Someone has to stand for something substantial in this life, in this country right now and he&#8217;s a man of integrity as fas as I can see, read about and observed thus far. I could be wrong but I also believe he&#8217;s a family man in every aspect of that also. I sure hope so, we can all use a dose of someone whose behavior and beliefs display loyalty, devotion and the belief in the power of love, a deep love for his wife and family. Sound stupid and adolescent? Hmm, maybe so, but if it does, than I&#8217;d rather be stupid and adolescent any day.</p>
<p>Be safe wherever you are, Anonz &#8211; your Sweet Lilly</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Anonz</title>
		<link>http://blog.michellemoquin.net/?p=5749#comment-8614</link>
		<dc:creator>Anonz</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:09:30 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.michellemoquin.com/?p=5749#comment-8614</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sweet Lilly

I did not write to alarm you. I meant to alert you and others to the possibilities of potential harm to our beloved country by those who purport to have its best interest at heart. 

President Obama is much more intelligent than his opposition seems to believe. They may be listening to their own propaganda. This could prove to be the decisive  edge he needs to get control of the situation. 

That situation is the corrupt atmosphere left to him by the previous 43 presidents. It is one where everyone was out for themselves. They took jobs in the sitting administration to enrich themselves financially. It was all about the money. 

The entire system of government has been about personal financial enrichment.  But for a few exceptions both houses of Congress and the Judicial branch were but seats held by whores willing to bargain for their services. 

They were not corrupted by the wealthy class, these were and are people who come to the wealthy. They come as whores, plying the street, looking for money for their services. Offering up unique services to commandeer the generous patron before another member of their group can gain that patronage. 

Occasionally the whores try to organize to squeeze more money from us.  They put together a philosophy to gain a following of obedient idiots. Then they come to us and say they can guarantee that that particular vote for what I want will always be there because their constituents will always vote for them. 

We support these whores because it is in our best financial interest to have guaranteed votes for our interests.  If you check the records of the US Senate and House of Representatives, you will notice that the ones with the longest tenure are the ones who have put together philosophies that appeal to the egos, prejudices and misogynistic attitudes of the white male. 

The whores could care less about any particular philosophy it is about the money. Most are totally bankrupt morally. That is the quality we love best. It means they will do ANYTHING for a buck. If the price is right, they will crucify their mothers as they bow and scrape before us. 

Destroying the planet ecologically means nothing if they can enrich themselves in the process, so why would destroying their country mean any more.  Their only motivation is financial gain.  A few thousand or a few million here and there guarantees they will allow us to fleece the world for trillions. What does it matter that the american citizens they represent are part of those fleeced?  So why would it matter if a few lives were lost in the bargain. Why would it matter how many lives were lost as long as it wasn&#039;t theirs. 

Sometimes greed becomes the third head for a man. He neglects what you might say is common sense. As when he accepts a few thousand to vote for legislation that allows a company to legally steal hundreds of millions and possibly billions from his constituents. 

One would think these whores should be able to bargain better for their services.  We know that they are blinded by our wealth and will do anything to get us to part with some of it, so we use them like the cheap whores they are. 

The result is that you, &quot;the people,&quot; get screwed. 

Your question was &quot;what can be done that could possibly change this outcome?&quot; &quot;This&quot; being the 2012 event. 

First, I need to make clear that these whores are not concerned that an attack occur in 2012, they will be satisfied for a large enough attack to happen as close to the 2012 election period as they can get. 

Second, one must also understand that these whores are only concerned that the attack be large enough to allow them to use it to scare the people into putting them back in power. It need not be nuclear, just huge. 

In my opinion there is nothing that can be done that will guarantee that these whores won&#039;t get their way.  After all look at the state of the country, they have been getting their way since the onset of this &quot;democracy.&quot; 

I and others like me that would not like to see this happen in our beloved country will be doing whatever we can to prevent it. Obama has seen the dire threat to America and he is willing to risk reelection by doing what he feels is in the best interest for the safety of the people of America. 

For the first time in America war history, he has eliminated no bid contracts, the bread and butter of those of us who run the military industrial complex.  If he can push through a few more corrections, he may begin to curtail the singly most financially rewarding investment to the super wealthy.  Waging war. 

War is where we make the multi billions. War fill our coffers like no other financial venture.  We clothe, arm, support, and advise the soldier in the field for enormous profit.  Our only investment is a few million spread among the two Houses and the Executive office. 

Our only lose is a few lives that we will no longer be able to profit from by providing them clothes, arms, support and advise. But then someone will be able to replace them. And we do get to make a little on the funeral arrangements, so it is not a total loss.

Sweet Lilly, I hope you know that I am not as callous as I sound. I was and am part of a world of wealthy industrialists who seize every opportunity to make a sizable profit.  I like to think that my world experience has changed me from the &quot;it&#039;s just business&quot; attitude to someone than Nia would feel was worthy of the effort she made for me. 

War and my profits from it caused her death. War and my profits from it made the few years she had on this planet a nightmare of hellish experiences. 

If Obama can make war less profitable to those of us who profit enormously by it, the world will be a much better place in so many ways for its inhabitants.  I will back his efforts. Even when I disagree with him, I have to acknowledge that his intentions are not self serving. 

Cynicism has been such a guiding force in my life that it is very difficult for me to relate to a person like Obama. He seems to be able to engender that altruistic quality he brings to an issue in others.  I find myself wanting to believe that I can not seduce his flock with my financial offerings. 

Yet, I can not resist the compulsion to tempt them.  Perhaps in them lies your answer. Will they follow the lead of Obama or succumb to our financial temptations? 

Will they look the other way to small infractions for enrichment so that when they add up to the big boom it will come as an unexpected result. 

Anonz]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sweet Lilly</p>
<p>I did not write to alarm you. I meant to alert you and others to the possibilities of potential harm to our beloved country by those who purport to have its best interest at heart. </p>
<p>President Obama is much more intelligent than his opposition seems to believe. They may be listening to their own propaganda. This could prove to be the decisive  edge he needs to get control of the situation. </p>
<p>That situation is the corrupt atmosphere left to him by the previous 43 presidents. It is one where everyone was out for themselves. They took jobs in the sitting administration to enrich themselves financially. It was all about the money. </p>
<p>The entire system of government has been about personal financial enrichment.  But for a few exceptions both houses of Congress and the Judicial branch were but seats held by whores willing to bargain for their services. </p>
<p>They were not corrupted by the wealthy class, these were and are people who come to the wealthy. They come as whores, plying the street, looking for money for their services. Offering up unique services to commandeer the generous patron before another member of their group can gain that patronage. </p>
<p>Occasionally the whores try to organize to squeeze more money from us.  They put together a philosophy to gain a following of obedient idiots. Then they come to us and say they can guarantee that that particular vote for what I want will always be there because their constituents will always vote for them. </p>
<p>We support these whores because it is in our best financial interest to have guaranteed votes for our interests.  If you check the records of the US Senate and House of Representatives, you will notice that the ones with the longest tenure are the ones who have put together philosophies that appeal to the egos, prejudices and misogynistic attitudes of the white male. </p>
<p>The whores could care less about any particular philosophy it is about the money. Most are totally bankrupt morally. That is the quality we love best. It means they will do ANYTHING for a buck. If the price is right, they will crucify their mothers as they bow and scrape before us. </p>
<p>Destroying the planet ecologically means nothing if they can enrich themselves in the process, so why would destroying their country mean any more.  Their only motivation is financial gain.  A few thousand or a few million here and there guarantees they will allow us to fleece the world for trillions. What does it matter that the american citizens they represent are part of those fleeced?  So why would it matter if a few lives were lost in the bargain. Why would it matter how many lives were lost as long as it wasn&#8217;t theirs. </p>
<p>Sometimes greed becomes the third head for a man. He neglects what you might say is common sense. As when he accepts a few thousand to vote for legislation that allows a company to legally steal hundreds of millions and possibly billions from his constituents. </p>
<p>One would think these whores should be able to bargain better for their services.  We know that they are blinded by our wealth and will do anything to get us to part with some of it, so we use them like the cheap whores they are. </p>
<p>The result is that you, &#8220;the people,&#8221; get screwed. </p>
<p>Your question was &#8220;what can be done that could possibly change this outcome?&#8221; &#8220;This&#8221; being the 2012 event. </p>
<p>First, I need to make clear that these whores are not concerned that an attack occur in 2012, they will be satisfied for a large enough attack to happen as close to the 2012 election period as they can get. </p>
<p>Second, one must also understand that these whores are only concerned that the attack be large enough to allow them to use it to scare the people into putting them back in power. It need not be nuclear, just huge. </p>
<p>In my opinion there is nothing that can be done that will guarantee that these whores won&#8217;t get their way.  After all look at the state of the country, they have been getting their way since the onset of this &#8220;democracy.&#8221; </p>
<p>I and others like me that would not like to see this happen in our beloved country will be doing whatever we can to prevent it. Obama has seen the dire threat to America and he is willing to risk reelection by doing what he feels is in the best interest for the safety of the people of America. </p>
<p>For the first time in America war history, he has eliminated no bid contracts, the bread and butter of those of us who run the military industrial complex.  If he can push through a few more corrections, he may begin to curtail the singly most financially rewarding investment to the super wealthy.  Waging war. </p>
<p>War is where we make the multi billions. War fill our coffers like no other financial venture.  We clothe, arm, support, and advise the soldier in the field for enormous profit.  Our only investment is a few million spread among the two Houses and the Executive office. </p>
<p>Our only lose is a few lives that we will no longer be able to profit from by providing them clothes, arms, support and advise. But then someone will be able to replace them. And we do get to make a little on the funeral arrangements, so it is not a total loss.</p>
<p>Sweet Lilly, I hope you know that I am not as callous as I sound. I was and am part of a world of wealthy industrialists who seize every opportunity to make a sizable profit.  I like to think that my world experience has changed me from the &#8220;it&#8217;s just business&#8221; attitude to someone than Nia would feel was worthy of the effort she made for me. </p>
<p>War and my profits from it caused her death. War and my profits from it made the few years she had on this planet a nightmare of hellish experiences. </p>
<p>If Obama can make war less profitable to those of us who profit enormously by it, the world will be a much better place in so many ways for its inhabitants.  I will back his efforts. Even when I disagree with him, I have to acknowledge that his intentions are not self serving. </p>
<p>Cynicism has been such a guiding force in my life that it is very difficult for me to relate to a person like Obama. He seems to be able to engender that altruistic quality he brings to an issue in others.  I find myself wanting to believe that I can not seduce his flock with my financial offerings. </p>
<p>Yet, I can not resist the compulsion to tempt them.  Perhaps in them lies your answer. Will they follow the lead of Obama or succumb to our financial temptations? </p>
<p>Will they look the other way to small infractions for enrichment so that when they add up to the big boom it will come as an unexpected result. </p>
<p>Anonz</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Doug</title>
		<link>http://blog.michellemoquin.net/?p=5749#comment-8613</link>
		<dc:creator>Doug</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 17:18:52 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.michellemoquin.com/?p=5749#comment-8613</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Good post!  I will be passing this blog address for today on, and Twittering it to make sure it keeps moving!  When are you going to get a button to Facebook share on your site?]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Good post!  I will be passing this blog address for today on, and Twittering it to make sure it keeps moving!  When are you going to get a button to Facebook share on your site?</p>
]]></content:encoded>
	</item>
	<item>
		<title>By: Health Info</title>
		<link>http://blog.michellemoquin.net/?p=5749#comment-8612</link>
		<dc:creator>Health Info</dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 04 Dec 2009 16:30:40 +0000</pubDate>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://blog.michellemoquin.com/?p=5749#comment-8612</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The Natural Way to a Good Night&#039;s Sleep

Carl E. Hunt, MD
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research

No one should underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of depression, weight gain, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Nearly half of American adults experience insomnia at some point in their lives. About 15% of the adult population experiences chronic insomnia lasting at least a month. Many sufferers are unwilling to take sleeping pills on a regular basis because they’re afraid that they’ll get &quot;hooked&quot;... find that the pills don’t work effectively... and/or experience side ef fects, such as daytime drowsiness or dizziness.

Recent finding: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) -- a behavior/ lifestyle modification and sleep education intervention -- was found to be more effective than zolpidem (Ambien), a popular sleeping pill, at helping patients fall and stay asleep. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, looked at 63 young and middle-aged adults with chronic insomnia. About half of those who received CBT, alone or in combination with drugs, were able to fall asleep sooner, compared with about 30% of the drug-only group.

HOW IT WORKS

The goal of CBT is to teach people to alter their behavior and thought patterns to break the insomnia cycle. In some cases, the therapy is initially combined with sleep restriction.

Example: Patients who usually go to bed at 10 pm might be asked to stay up until midnight or later, then get up at 5 or 6 in the morning. They are then more tired when they go to bed on subsequent nights, which helps them sleep better.

A patient typically meets with a therapist for 30 to 60 minutes. One session is adequate in some cases -- other patients may require four or more sessions. Not all therapists who practice CBT are trained to treat insomnia, so ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist who is.

STEPS TO TAKE

To get a good night’s sleep...

 De-stress before bed. Don’t do anything stressful or stimulating, such as balancing the checkbook or playing computer games, within one hour of bedtime. Insomnia sufferers should give themselves time to unwind and separate from the day’s pressures.

Some patients write down all the things that are worrying them or making them anxious before they go to bed. This can help prevent negative thoughts from intruding when they’re trying to fall asleep.

 Get up if you can’t sleep. People with insomnia often get trapped in a worry cycle. They associate going to bed with not sleeping. If they don’t fall asleep right away, they watch the clock... worry about how tired they’ll be in the morning... and get increasingly stressed, which makes it harder to get to sleep.

The solution is to get out of bed if you don’t fall asleep within 30 minutes or if you wake in the night and can’t get back to sleep. Do something quiet and relaxing -- watch television, read a magazine, etc. Don’t go back to bed until you feel like you’re ready to sleep.

 Exercise regularly. Daytime exercise reduces insomnia and improves both the quantity and quality of sleep. Vigorous exercise isn’t required. Take a long walk... ride a bike ... or go to the gym. Exercise at least three days a week -- but don’t exercise within two hours of going to bed. It’s stimulating and can make insomnia worse.

 Avoid coffee for six hours before bedtime. Everyone knows that the caffeine in coffee, tea or soft drinks can keep you awake. Most people don’t realize that caffeine can stay active in the body for up to six hours.

 Don’t drink alcohol late. Even though alcohol is a sedative that can help you fall asleep, it interferes with sleep quality and increases nighttime awakenings. Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least one to two hours before going to bed.

 Avoid over-the-counter sleep aids that contain antihistamines. These actually can disturb sleep and make it less refreshing.


Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Carl E. Hunt, MD, a sleep specialist and director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Re search and professor of pediatrics at Uniformed Services University, both in Bethesda, Maryland.]]></description>
		<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Natural Way to a Good Night&#8217;s Sleep</p>
<p>Carl E. Hunt, MD<br />
National Center on Sleep Disorders Research</p>
<p>No one should underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep. Sleep deprivation has been linked to an increased risk of depression, weight gain, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.<br />
Nearly half of American adults experience insomnia at some point in their lives. About 15% of the adult population experiences chronic insomnia lasting at least a month. Many sufferers are unwilling to take sleeping pills on a regular basis because they’re afraid that they’ll get &#8220;hooked&#8221;&#8230; find that the pills don’t work effectively&#8230; and/or experience side ef fects, such as daytime drowsiness or dizziness.</p>
<p>Recent finding: Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) &#8212; a behavior/ lifestyle modification and sleep education intervention &#8212; was found to be more effective than zolpidem (Ambien), a popular sleeping pill, at helping patients fall and stay asleep. The study, published in Archives of Internal Medicine, looked at 63 young and middle-aged adults with chronic insomnia. About half of those who received CBT, alone or in combination with drugs, were able to fall asleep sooner, compared with about 30% of the drug-only group.</p>
<p>HOW IT WORKS</p>
<p>The goal of CBT is to teach people to alter their behavior and thought patterns to break the insomnia cycle. In some cases, the therapy is initially combined with sleep restriction.</p>
<p>Example: Patients who usually go to bed at 10 pm might be asked to stay up until midnight or later, then get up at 5 or 6 in the morning. They are then more tired when they go to bed on subsequent nights, which helps them sleep better.</p>
<p>A patient typically meets with a therapist for 30 to 60 minutes. One session is adequate in some cases &#8212; other patients may require four or more sessions. Not all therapists who practice CBT are trained to treat insomnia, so ask your doctor for a referral to a therapist who is.</p>
<p>STEPS TO TAKE</p>
<p>To get a good night’s sleep&#8230;</p>
<p> De-stress before bed. Don’t do anything stressful or stimulating, such as balancing the checkbook or playing computer games, within one hour of bedtime. Insomnia sufferers should give themselves time to unwind and separate from the day’s pressures.</p>
<p>Some patients write down all the things that are worrying them or making them anxious before they go to bed. This can help prevent negative thoughts from intruding when they’re trying to fall asleep.</p>
<p> Get up if you can’t sleep. People with insomnia often get trapped in a worry cycle. They associate going to bed with not sleeping. If they don’t fall asleep right away, they watch the clock&#8230; worry about how tired they’ll be in the morning&#8230; and get increasingly stressed, which makes it harder to get to sleep.</p>
<p>The solution is to get out of bed if you don’t fall asleep within 30 minutes or if you wake in the night and can’t get back to sleep. Do something quiet and relaxing &#8212; watch television, read a magazine, etc. Don’t go back to bed until you feel like you’re ready to sleep.</p>
<p> Exercise regularly. Daytime exercise reduces insomnia and improves both the quantity and quality of sleep. Vigorous exercise isn’t required. Take a long walk&#8230; ride a bike &#8230; or go to the gym. Exercise at least three days a week &#8212; but don’t exercise within two hours of going to bed. It’s stimulating and can make insomnia worse.</p>
<p> Avoid coffee for six hours before bedtime. Everyone knows that the caffeine in coffee, tea or soft drinks can keep you awake. Most people don’t realize that caffeine can stay active in the body for up to six hours.</p>
<p> Don’t drink alcohol late. Even though alcohol is a sedative that can help you fall asleep, it interferes with sleep quality and increases nighttime awakenings. Refrain from drinking alcohol for at least one to two hours before going to bed.</p>
<p> Avoid over-the-counter sleep aids that contain antihistamines. These actually can disturb sleep and make it less refreshing.</p>
<p>Bottom Line/Personal interviewed Carl E. Hunt, MD, a sleep specialist and director of the National Center on Sleep Disorders Re search and professor of pediatrics at Uniformed Services University, both in Bethesda, Maryland.</p>
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