Ways to Help You Sleep Better
By Sara Butler
If you’re dreaming of a good night’s sleep but can’t quite make it a reality, you’re not alone. According to the American Sleep Association, 30 percent of Americans have occasional insomnia while 10 percent suffer from serious sleep disorders. You’ve probably tried all the regular fixes -- no caffeine after a certain time of the day, a cool dark bedroom, and sticking to a consistent bedtime. But if those aren’t working, what do you do? Here are a few things you can try.
Crack Open a Window
It’s pretty well known that a snoring partner or a lumpy mattress can make quality sleep hard to find, but one thing people often overlook is air quality. Poor ventilation can steal sleep right out from under you. Making sure you have proper circulation in your bedroom is important, which is why cracking a door or a window is important.
Go Ahead, Let the Dogs In
Some people think allowing pets in the bedroom is disruptive to a good night’s sleep, but the Mayo Clinic disagrees. They did a study of dog owners and found that people who slept with their dogs in the room had a better night’s sleep than those who didn’t. The bottom line is that pets give you a sense of comfort and security, but if your dog is a bed hog he might be better off on the floor.
Give the Morning Meaning
If you have a reason to get up out of bed in the morning, then you’re more likely to sleep better. All the mysteries of life can’t be solved right this minute, but you can come up with a few goals for yourself and get involved with something that is meaningful to you. You may just find that you’re happier in and out of the bedroom because of it!
Wear Your Sunglasses at Night
If you tend to use a lot of digital devices (like most people) in the evening, you may want to consider wearing shades that block blue light. Blue light is what is emitted by smartphones, computers, televisions, and computers and it can disrupt the release of hormones in your brain that help you fall asleep. You should make sure to turn off all devices about an hour before bed and get some blue light-blocking glasses to use too.
Sleep is so important to your overall health, so do what you can do get more of it!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Bossier City, La.
