Feeling Tired? These Bad Habits are to Blame

By Stepy Kamei

Given our hectic and demanding lifestyles, the last thing we want to be dealing with is a poor night's rest. Unfortunately, more than half of all adults in America report experiencing some form of sleep disruption or lack of adequate asleep multiple nights a week. This makes for a very tired nation -- one that's become a little too reliant on the use of coffee and other stimulants rather than trying to nip the problem in the bud. If you're feeling tired, your body is trying to tell you something, so it's better to listen to it and try your best to address the problem as soon as you notice it. Far too many of us choose to ignore our tiredness and attempt to push it off to the side, which can create many problems for our health and well-being both in the immediate and long-term.  

Bringing Technology into the Bedroom

It's a globalized society, and we're all so wired and connected these days that it can be hard to figure out how to turn off for even just a few hours, let alone a full night. Many people wind down with their tablets, laptops, and smartphones right in bed with them, and this can induce poor sleep quality. The blue light emitted from many electronic devices tends to disrupt the body's natural circadian rhythms, which means your brain may get confused as to when it should be awake and when it should be asleep.

Holding Out on Better Support for the Body 

If there's one household item you don't want to scrimp spending on, it's anything to do with your bed. You should have a pillow which is the right amount of firmness or softness for your needs; in fact, you may prefer having two pillows available to sleep on (it's also recommended to have one between your knees if you experience back pain). Your mattress should also be adjusted to a level which is comfortable for your sleeping position. Find your needs and adjust them accordingly.

Eating the Wrong Foods During the Day

Eating caffeine in any form (coffee, chocolate, soda), any time after 4 p.m., can make it harder to get to sleep. As for dinner, keep it hearty yet light, with plenty of whole grains and lean protein. Stay away from high amounts of sugar, salt, or fat, which can lengthen the digestive process and cause cramping or nausea in the night as you try to sleep. 

Going to Bed Stressed Out

Stress from the day can carry over into poor sleep quality, so make sure you're addressing this important aspect of your mental health. Meditating or journaling shortly before bed can help you wind down and relax for the evening.