Are You Getting Enough Sleep? 3 Tips to Help
By Virginia Laird
Sleep is the first thing that many skimp on when they have a busy life. This is according to research. The same research adds that a lack of sleep can be detrimental to your overall wellness. While there is no exact magic number you should be getting, the research advises that you should get no less than six hours of sleep each night. Rather than allowing this issue to be problematic, it should be a priority. If you are one who finds getting enough rest a challenge, there are several things you can try to help improve your sleep. These include:
- Make time to exercise every evening
- Stretch before bed
- Go to bed early enough
Make Time to Exercise Every Evening
Exercise has long been known to help release tension and stress throughout the body. Many who struggle to fall asleep each night report stress as the leading factor. Rather than allowing this to interrupt your snooze fest, start making time to work out on a daily basis. It is recommended that you try to get at least 20 minutes of exercise daily to help release tension and stress in the body and mind. This can be done by hitting the gym, attending a group exercise class, or taking a simple jog through your neighborhood.
Stretch Before Bed
There is research to prove that stretching before bed can help relax the body. These stretches need not last long or be highly invasive. Rather they should be enough to help release the tension of the day. Simple stretches of the back and neck can benefit your ability to sleep.. Some suggest that along with stretching, meditation can be helpful in improving your sleep. Consider adding light stretches and meditation to your nightly routine.
Go to Bed Early Enough
Making sure to go to bed early enough to get the rest you need is imperative when trying to improve your sleep. Although you may feel a bit like a child adding up the hours to determine your bedtime, it can be helpful. Getting plenty of sleep depends a lot on the time you hit the pillow. There is no shame in giving yourself a bedtime. Setting parameters on your sleep is the only way to ensure your ability to get the sleep you need.
Start right away figuring out what tips you can add to your daily routine to help improve your ability to rest well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Sacramento, Calif.