-Services created with medical and wellness expertise from California Health & Longevity Institute-

(May 7, 2008) Westlake Village, Calif.—With more than 50-70 million people suffering from sleep disorders or loss according to a recent study released by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), guests of Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village are invited to get a good night’s rest with a new Sleep Well program created together with California Health & Longevity Institute.  Physicians, registered dietitians and other experts provided guidance regarding what sets the stage for a restful slumber.  The resulting Sleep Well program includes suggested cuisine, soothing spa treatments, specialty pillows and even services such as guided imagery or clinical sleep studies offered through California Health & Longevity Institute. 

Complementary and Alternative Therapies
Clinical studies suggest that certain complementary and alternative therapies can result in better sleep. In partnership with California Health & Longevity Institute, located within the Hotel, guests have access to acupuncture and mind-body therapies such as clinical hypnotherapy, guided imagery and meditation. Additionally, physicians offer clinical sleep studies for those who have trouble sleeping at night, which can be monitored within the comfort of a Four Seasons guest room.

Relaxing Treatments from The Spa at Four Seasons
The therapists at Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village created a relaxing facial treatment exclusively for inclusion in the new Sleep Well menu.  Performed in the privacy and comfort of the guest room, it begins with a mind calming ritual based in aromatherapy with the relaxing benefits of chamomile.  After a gentle cleanse, exfoliation and purifying mask application, an extended neck, scalp and facial massage is performed.  This treatment is 50 minutes and available for $225.

Other recommended treatments include the Pure Lavender Body Treatment, infused with the herb’s known soothing powers for a full-body exfoliation and massage.  Reiki, a Japanese energy treatment, balances the seven chakras, providing qi.  A kamille (chamomile) bath can be paired with any of these services for a gentle, soothing ritual.

Sleep Amenities and Aids
A selection of sleep aids is available either in the guest room or upon request.  The signature Four Seasons bed, a calming Relax Tea, in-room dining menu of Bedtime Cuisine, provided by California Health & Longevity Institute Director of Nutrition Paulette Lambert, and blackout drapes are standard in all guest rooms.  Additionally, eye masks, sound machines, ear plugs, foot warmers, humidifiers, bath salts and even cuddly teddy bears are provided upon request.  A selection of specialty pillows including orthopedic, full body, buckwheat and foam varieties is also available.

For more information about sleep therapies at California Health & Longevity Institute, please call (818) 575-1114, toll free (888) 575-1114 or visit CHLI.com.

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Ten Tips for Sleeping Well
Provided by California Health & Longevity Institute wellness experts including physicians, registered dietitians, exercise physiologists, lifestyle consultants and clinical hypnotherapists.

1. Create a sleep environment that is dark, quiet, comfortable and cool.  Make sure pillows and mattresses are comfortable and supportive.

2. Try to eat at least two hours before bedtime. If eating early is not an option, a bedtime snack that is high in carbohydrates stimulates serotonin, which aids sleep.  Suggested snacks include whole wheat toast with natural peanut butter, banana and honey served with chamomile tea or old-fashioned blueberry oatmeal topped with non-fat vanilla yogurt, almonds and honey.

3. Avoid caffeine after 2 p.m.  Avoid spicy foods, protein and alcohol two hours before bedtime.

4. Try not to watch television or utilize a laptop computer at least 30 minutes before bedtime or in bed.

5. Establish a bedtime routine such as drinking a cup of non-caffeinated herbal tea, soaking in a warm bath or listening to soothing music.

6. Do not stress if you feel you are not getting enough sleep.  Try not to look at the clock in the middle of the night.

7. Refrain from strenuous exercise two hours before bedtime.  Try relaxing stretches and yoga.

8. If lying awake for more than 20 minutes, get up and engage in a relaxing activity such as reading.

9. To improve the 24-hour sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythms), establish consistent rest and activity patterns from day to day.  Studies also show that regular exposure to bright or outdoor lights, especially in the late afternoon, stabilizes those rhythms, enhancing the quantity and quality of your sleep.

10. Develop a ritual to break the connection between sleep and the day’s stressors.  One method is to make a list of any pressing issues, along with a possible plan for dealing with them.  Another is to keep a favorite photo nearby that has a calming effect.

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