As someone who has struggled since college with insomnia, this is a topic I found myself googling often.  I needed to find ways to get better sleep, because now, with 3 young kids, not sleeping is not an option.  If I want to keep up with them during the day, I need my sleep at night!  Here are some tips I've found along the way that help me get sleep.

No caffeine after 12 (noon).  I know this is earlier than most people need to stop, but for me, if I keep sipping my coffee past 12, it will be very hard for me to get to sleep.

Try to keep a consistent bed time schedule.  I know it's not always possible to go to sleep at the same time every night, but when you can try to keep it more consistent, your body will start to recognize ok, this is bed time, and will cooperate a little better.

I like running a white noise sound machine when I sleep because not only does it block out the sounds my snoring husband makes, but it is also soothing and helps me sleep more soundly.  Now this one is not for everyone, some people it seems to make it harder for them to sleep.  But for me, it definitely helps.

Here is one that is hard for most, no screens 2 hours before bed.  Instead, try reading a book, or journaling, or something else relaxing.  The blue light from the screens signal to your body that it's day time and makes it hard for you to produce natural melatonin needed to make you sleepy.  If you simply MUST check emails and Facebook before bed, get some blue light blocking glasses.

Sleep in a comfortable bed.  Ok, this may seem like a no brainer, but if you're sleeping on an old mattress that doesn't support your body, and toss and turn all night because your uncomfortable, then it may  be time to look into getting a better mattress like this memory foam mattress. 

Anything that helps you relax before bed is going to help calm your mind and body and help you get better sleep.  For me, that's a relaxing bath with epsom salt and sometimes lavender essential oils.  The epsom salt can soothe muscle aches and pains as well as detox and help your body to relax.  It also supplies your body with topical magnesium (which is what epsom salt is) that plays a part in the relaxation capabilities of epsom salt.

Which leads me to the next thing that really helps me, is make sure you're getting adequate magnesium.  Most people are deficient, and magnesium helps promote relaxation.  I like to take Magnesium Glycinate before bed, and Magnesium Malate during the day.

When all these lifestyle choices fail, and you still can't seem to doze off, I use liquid melatonin drops.  The pills don't seem to work as well, but the liquid works well and fast.  Usually within 30 minutes I'm asleep.  But don't take it until your ready to start trying to get to sleep.  Otherwise it doesn't seem to work as well.

Also, when I've had caffeine before bed, or been on my phone, and I feel so awake and KNOW it's going to be hard to get to sleep, then I will take 1/4 to 1/2 of a Unisom.  Not the kind made from the ingredients of Benadryl, but the kind with doxylamine succinate.  This has been something that has yet to fail to help me get a full night's sleep, but I try not to use it nightly or I become dependent on it and can't sleep without it.

Some of these things may take time to help break the cycle of insomnia, but if you start implementing them, you will be on your way to sleeping better every night and waking more refreshed and energized.

Many health-conscious individuals have opted to incorporate organic foods into their diet in a time where ingredients and transparency more in demand. What some may not realize is that there are also plenty of options out there when it comes to organic items for the home.  An often overlooked product is feminine hygiene products like pads and tampons.  Some don't even know organic options exist out there, and that you don't have to break the bank to get them.

With Kali Boxes, you can sign up for monthly period box and get them delivered to you every month.  The subscriptions are personalized, flexible and convenient so you have what you need every month.

Another organic alternative in feminine care that some may not be aware of is yeast infection medicine.  FemiClear is a 2 day all natural yeast infection treatment that contains no artificial antifungal drugs or chemicals.  It is made from oxygenated olive oil, calendula, and melaleuca.  Plus right now on Amazon you can save $3.00 with a clippable coupon. 

Sliquid Organics Splash Balance Gentle Feminine Wash is a great alternative to traditional soap and water and other harsh detergents. Fragrance formulas are blended with essential oils, coconut derivatives, and sea salt. Sliquid Splash is perfectly balanced to complement a woman's natural PH. 

There's another great organic cleansing wash for those with sensitive skin. Rael Natural Feminine Cleansing Wash with a light and fresh scent is perfect for daily hygiene while helping to maintain a healthy ph balance.  It is non-drying and non-irritating and helps to keep odors away.  The ingredients contain only natural herbs and are Paraben free, Phenoxyethanol free, and Artificial fragrance free.

As you can see there are plenty of options out there and you can go organic with you feminine hygiene products as well as your food, cleaning products, and other products around the home.

Damon Wayans, Jr. has come up with an app that is the "Uber" of bringing entertainment providers and venues together. Many know him from New Girl as "Coach", but now he has ventured into starting his own business. Special Guest App is a global app platform to connect venues and entertainers.  This could be huge in helping DJs, singers, and comedians find work on a regular basis without relying on an agent, not to mention helping those planning events to find their entertainment easier.  

“I've noticed there's a lot of talented people out there who have the talent but they don't have necessarily the representation to help them be seen,” Wayans told FOX Business. “I felt like that was a problem to be solved, and I wanted to make an app that allows entertainers to get gigs and be seen by other people as much as possible.”

He brought his idea to serial entrepreneur Kris Jones to help him design the app and get it off the ground and running.  Jones really believes in the project and thinks it could really transform the entertainment industry.  They plan to open in Atlanta, Austin and Nashville in the near future.  

​As you can see below, you can search for talent by location or category.

I have family members who are in the entertainment industry (singing / songwriting) and from their experience I can tell you this would make such a difference for them and their careers.  Finding gigs as an artist can be difficult, and making a living can be a challenge when you don't know where to go to get work.  And using an agent is not always feasible.  As someone who is an entertainer for a living, Wayans Jr. has taken his passion and creativity and developed something that will change the way this industry works, just as Uber has transformed the personal transportation industry.