Everyone, at some point in their lives, will have trouble sleeping. It’s a common problem, although for some of us, it’s a chronic problem. And not only is a lack of sleep detrimental to our bodies health, but it also affects the things we do: work, relationships, responsibilities—which works like a double-edged sword, because oftentimes work, relationships, and responsibilities are the reasons why a person can’t sleep at night. So, here a few tips to achieving a better night’s sleep.
Schedule, Schedule, Schedule
Our bodies do well with a schedule. If you go to bed at nearly the same time at night, your body is going to fall into the habit of going to bed at that time. Also, try and wake up at the same time every morning—most adults need seven to eight hours of sleep every night, so it’s important to set aside no more than eight hours (unless you’re someone who needs more). Yes, there will be variances in this schedule on the weekends or on vacation, but try and keep the differences as minimal as possible—don’t fall into leisurely everyday vacation habits that reset your body’s sleep schedule!
Food and Drink
Food and drink affects our sleep. If our bodies are trying to digest food, this will affect how we go to sleep. Avoid sugary, caffeinated drinks within four hours—or more—of bedtime. Alcohol
can have a calming, sleepy effect on our bodies, and it may help us to fall asleep quickly, however alcohol can disrupt our sleep patterns as the night wears on.
Sleep in Comfort
You need to create an ideal place for you to sleep. No, this doesn’t mean go out and spend a bunch of money to make things in your bedroom just-so (although a few purchases—if you don’t already have them—like comfortable sheets or pillows might help). Make sure that your bedroom is quiet and dark, perfect for sleeping. If you are someone who struggles to get to sleep, turn off your cell phone, laptop, or television, because light emitting screens can prohibit our sleep. If you have any questions improving your health, then call or make an appointment at Central Wellness.
