Your week
YOUR HEALTH
Insomnia is becoming an epidemic, with more than 30 percent of the population suffering from interrupted sleep. Here are some tips to help you get a good night’s rest:
• Learn some breathing and relaxation techniques so you can unwind before bedtime.
• Make sure you get at least 30 minutes of physical exercise every day, at least four hours before you hit the sack.
• Don’t go to bed on an empty stomach, but eat your last meal at least two hours before bedtime.
• Avoid drinking caffeinated or alcoholic beverages before you go to bed. Herbal teas such as chamomile may help you fall asleep more easily.
• Make sure the temperature in your bedroom is comfortable and consistent.
• Maintain a regular sleep routine. Going to bed at the same time each night and rising at a regular hour in the morning is vital for a healthy sleep pattern.
• Don’t try to force sleep; it doesn’t work. If you find yourself tossing and turning, get up and read something light, listen to soothing music or do your relaxation exercises before returning to bed.
» Find more health and fitness tips in Tuesday’s Today section.
YOUR HOME
The empress of haute homemade is out with a new book, “Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts” (Potter Craft, $24.99 hardcover).
The book contains 225 projects covering a year’s worth of observances. Among them are decorations, gifts, party favors and other delights, from embossed Easter eggs to knitted cat toys for your feline valentine – all with that tasteful Martha touch.
Basic techniques are included, right down to tying a simple and elegant bow on a package.
» Find more home and garden ideas in Sunday’s Today section.
YOUR FOOD
A trio of traditional fall foods – apples, turkey and sweet potatoes – combine for a quick, flavorful Harvest Turkey Saute dinner. For the recipe, see page C5.
» Find more recipes and restaurant news in Wednesday’s Food section.
YOUR FUN
Here’s what’s on the schedule for this week:
On CD (Tuesday)
Ryan Adams, “Ashes & Fire”
Evanescence, “Evanescence”
Peter Gabriel, “New Blood”
Martina McBride, “Eleven”
On DVD (Tuesday)
“Green Lantern”
“Horrible Bosses”
“The Tree of Life”
“Zookeeper”
“Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer”
In theaters (Friday)
“The Big Year” (comedy)
“Footloose” (musical)
“The Thing” (sci-fi horror)
On TV
“The Rosie Show”: Rosie O’Donnell returns to television as host of an evening talk show that blends stand-up comedy, celebrity interviews, music and games. (Tonight at 7, OWN)
“Last Man Standing”: Tim Allen returns to prime time as a sporting goods exec who bemoans the lack of manly men in the world. (Tuesday, 8 p.m., ABC)
“Psych”: Shawn (James Roday) stumbles upon a dead body during a case that has him working to recover a stolen “Star Wars” collectible in the Season 6 opener. (Wednesday, 10 p.m., USA)
“Puppies vs. Babies”: A compilation of Internet clips featuring infants and pets that are judged on the cuteness factor. (Saturday, 10 p.m., Animal Planet)
On stage
Colbie Caillat: Tonight, Knitting Factory
Orla Fallon: Thursday, Bing Crosby Theater
Frank Sinatra Jr., Spokane Symphony SuperPops: Saturday, The Fox
Around town
Scarywood Haunted Nights: Friday-Saturday, Silverwood Theme Park
OctoBrewFest: Saturday, Spokane County Fair and Expo Center
Apple Festival: Saturday-Sunday, Green Bluff
» Find a full arts and entertainment roundup in the Thursday and Friday Today sections.