Are You Making These Sleep Mistakes?
By Sara Butler
Sleep is essential to your health and wellness. Without it, you simply can't function optimally as you go through your day -- and you're probably a little cranky to boot! No doubt you've read a few tips here and there about how to get better sleep, but are you up to date on the sleep mistakes that can render all those handy sleep tips useless? Here are some of the most common sleep mistakes and what you can do to fix them for a better night's sleep.
You're Too Hot
Sure, people love to cuddle under a cozy blanket as they wait for sleep to claim them, but how about the temperature in the rest of the room? One of the most common sleeping mistakes people make is turning the heat up too high. According to the National Sleep Foundation, the right temperature for your bedroom is somewhere between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures above that may make you too hot and make your sleep more fitful and less rejuvenating.
Make sure that your room temperature is optimal and that you're sleeping on sheets made from natural fabric such as cotton that can help to improve air circulation and maintain a cool body temperature to help you stay asleep at night.
Your Pillow is Too Old
When was the last time you bought a new pillow? If you can't remember, then chances are that it's been too long! Pillows actually break down fast, so you should be buying a new one to support your head and neck at least every two years.
If you want to test your pillow to see if it's providing enough support, then fold it in half. If it doesn't naturally spring back into its natural shape, then it's time to get a new one. Remember, old pillows can be full of dead skin and dust mites that can make allergies worse, so you're better off throwing out that old pillow and going with something new to help your allergies too.
Too Much Sugar
When you have a lot of calories or sugar before bed, it can mess with your sleep. That's because if your blood sugar spikes and then rapidly falls while you're trying to sleep, it can wake you up. It's best to limit foods before bed and lay off the caffeine -- and that includes chocolate!
Getting a good night's sleep is crucial to your health and wellness. If you have questions about how to improve your sleep, then talk to the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Downey, Calif.