The Importance Of Sleep

The Importance of Sleep (Part 2)

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Those of us who sleep soundly through the night can be incredibly thankful. Many folks have not had a good night’s sleep in many years.

Thankfully there are some things you can try that may make a huge difference in how well you sleep. Improving your sleep will likely involve some trial and error, but research has shown that for many, one or more of the following changes have brought about better quality and a greater number of hours slept during the night.

-One thing all the experts agree on is the need for complete darkness. Cover the lighted clock, turn out the night lights, and block out the street lights for optimal sleep. Light stops your body from producing important hormones and tells it that it’s time to wake up. If you cannot block out the light wear a cover of some kind over your eyes.

-Only get in your bed when it is time to go to sleep. Do not watch tv, read, or do other such things from your bed. If you take naps in the middle of the day use the recliner or couch for a nap. Save the bed for nighttime sleep only.

-Believe it or not, the temperature of your bedroom cannot be too warm or it will disrupt your sleep. Research shows that if it is cooler than 60 degrees or warmer than 68 degrees it will affect your ability to sleep.

-Go to bed earlier if you possibly can. Your body does internal repair work between the hours of 11 pm. and 3 am. that cannot be gotten at any other time. Once you have established a bedtime, try to stick with that time of sleeping and rising. It will help your body to develop a regular sleep pattern.

-Remove as many electrical devices from your bedroom as you can. All electrical appliances, TV, radio, exercise machines, etc. produce waves that can affect sleeping patterns.

-Most of us know not to drink much in the way of liquids right before bedtime and if needed, make the effort to go to the restroom right before bed. For some, these 2 simple steps alone eliminate the need to get up in the middle of the night and disrupt sleep.

-Do not eat ANYTHING right before bed. However, a couple of hours before your bedtime is a good time to eat foods containing protein (nuts, nut butter, cheese, meat, etc.) and a very small piece of fruit (which helps the protein be used beneficially at night).

-Little things can facilitate better sleep such as a hot bath or shower late at night, wearing socks or using a heating pad on your feet, listening to soothing music or sounds of nature, avoiding caffeine and suspense novels, avoiding alcohol and sweets, and exercise for a half-hour earlier in the evening.

If simpler fixes do not resolve the issue, you may want to consider having a medical to check for hormonal changes, adrenal problems, and other such conditions that affect sleep. You can also look into supplements such as melatonin, as well as the benefits of massage, stress reduction therapy, and investing in your spiritual life.

Check out Sleep Part 1 by Clicking Here!

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