What's Keeping You From Sleep?
By Sara Butler
If you feel like you’re not getting a good night’s sleep, then you’re not alone! According to the National Institutes of Health, about 10 percent of people deal with long-term insomnia while about 35 percent of people experience insomnia for short periods of time. To live a healthy, happy life, you need quality sleep. You may be doing everything you can think of to relax before bed but find it’s just not working. If that’s the case, then it might be something you’re doing before you ever hit the hay that is impacting your sleep. Here are a few things you should be on the lookout for that might be between you and a good night’s sleep.
When You Exercise
Exercise will contribute to a good night’s sleep -- depending on when you exercise, that is. If you exercise too close to bedtime, then it will be a roadblock between you and the land of Nod. That’s because exercise increases your alertness and will make it difficult to wind down and get some shut-eye.
If your workout is keeping you from getting some sleep, then try to switch to a morning workout routine -- as long as it’s a routine you can stick to. If you’re stuck with evening workouts, that's OK as long as you end your workout at least a couple of hours before you hit the hay.
Your Screen Time
So, you’re not a kid anymore -- which means you can decide how long to watch television before bed or use your electronic device, right? Well, maybe not if you’re having trouble sleeping! Any device with a screen emits something called blue light. This light messes with the production of melatonin in your brain, a hormone that helps you get to sleep. If sleep is eluding you at night, consider shutting down your electronics at least an hour before bed and do something that relaxes you, like reading an old-fashioned book (with pages you turn manually!) or practicing meditation.
You Are What You Eat
Everyone knows that caffeine can keep you awake, but did you know that there are other things you may be include in your diet that can impact your sleep too? Researchers have discovered that eating too many calories or not adhering to a diet that is diverse in nutrients can contribute to problems with sleep. Commit to a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables the color of the rainbow and see if that helps!
Sleep is essential to your health and wellness, so do what you can to get more of it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Jose, Calif.