Getting Enough Sleep is Key to Good Health
Research shows that getting too little sleep can have lasting negative health results. In fact, a lack of good sleep has been tied to a host of health problems, including weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, depression, anxiety, declines in memory and even accidents.
Here are 5 tips for a better night’s rest:
- Establish a regular sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day helps to regulate your body’s natural sleep rhythm.
- Create a relaxing bedtime routine. This can involve taking a warm bath, reading a book, or doing some gentle stretching.
- Keep a cool, comfortable bedroom environment. An ideal bedroom temperature for sleeping is 65 degrees, with minimal noise and light.
- Avoid caffeine before bed since having caffeine inhibits sleep.
- Avoid using electronic devices in bed. The blue light emitted by screens can suppress the production of the hormone that makes you sleepy.
If you or a loved one have trouble falling or staying asleep, notice loud snoring, pauses in breathing, waking up with a choking feeling, leg cramps or tingling; make sure to tell your doctor. Any of these problems could be signs of a sleep disorder that need to be addressed.
