Page - Catch Some ZZZs
Catch Some ZZZs
Go ahead, sleep more! It's good for you.
Unfortunately America is one of the most sleep deprived countries in the world. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 30 percent (that is about 40.6 million) of American adults are sleeping six or fewer hours a day and have actually labeled this lack of sleep as an EPIDEMIC.
Side effects of sleep deprivation are more serious than just feeling a little fatigued throughout the day. Some of these side effects include:
- Moodiness
- Impaired brain activity
- Increased blood pressure
- Weight gain
- Heart Disease
- Weakened immune system
- Depression
Because sleep plays such an integral part of our health and daily lives, it’s important to make sure that we are doing all we can to maximize and improve the way we sleep.
Here are some tips to help you get a better night’s rest:
By establishing a routine you are training your body to recognize when it is time to turn in for the night, making it easier to fall asleep. Try starting your routine around the same time every night, and make it relaxing.
Electronics emit a type of light that trick the brain into thinking it is still daytime, hindering your ability to fall asleep. Try to avoid having electronics in your bedroom, or if you must, try to at least power down and turn off any screens 30 minutes before tucking in.
Dedicate your bed/bedroom to only sleeping and sex. Avoid working, watching TV, being on your phone, or eating in bed, these may distract you from falling asleep.
Being aware of what liquids you consume hours before going to bed can help you catch those Zzzs. Caffeine takes about 6-7 hours to get out of your system, so try not to consume coffee, soda, or any other caffeinated beverages late in the day.
Also try to stay away from alcoholic drinks. Even though alcohol works more like a depressant than a stimulant, it can affect deep and REM sleep, causing you not to get sufficient rest.
Don’t just lie awake in bed for an hour if you’re having trouble sleeping. Instead, get up and try something relaxing like listening to music, or reading a book outside of the bed until you feel ready to hit the sack. However, resist the urge to turn on your electronics and watch TV, this will just make it harder for you to get back to sleep.
