Are You Getting Enough Sleep? 3 Helpful Tips
By Virginia Laird
Do you know how much sleep you are getting each night? If so, is it enough? The answer is likely not what you want it to be. Research indicates that more often than not, the average adult gets far too little sleep than is recommended. A lack of sleep can contribute to mental illness, stress overload, and much more. Health and wellness experts suggest that the average adult should get at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. A few tips to try to help you get more rest include:
- Add exercise daily
- Establish a bedtime routine
- Cut out caffeine before dinner
Add Exercise Daily
Research suggests that adding daily exercise can help you get more rest. The simple truth is that working out can help release tension in the body which can hamper its ability to relax fully. Exercise also helps clear the mind, which again can get in the way of a good night of rest. Health and wellness experts advise that getting to least 20 minutes of exercise each day can vastly improve your ability to sleep. Start today adding some light workout to your day.
Establish a Bedtime Routine
Health and wellness experts suggest that having a bedtime routine can help the body relax. This routine should be brief and include things to help with relaxing the body. A few things to consider adding to your routine include stretching, meditation, reading, and much more. These professionals suggest that your bedtime routine should also begin at the same time each night, essentially giving yourself a bedtime to follow. This alone can have a huge impact on your ability to rest well night after night.
Cut Out Caffeine Before Dinner
Another tip offered by health and wellness experts to help ensure you are getting plenty of sleep is to cut out your caffeine long before bedtime. While many believe that caffeine may not affect them, the truth is that it is a stimulant. It can keep you awake when you really would rather be asleep. There is research to suggest that caffeine (and its effects) can stay in the body for up to four hours after it is consumed (depending on how much you consume). Try giving up caffeine before dinner to help you get a good night of sleep tonight.
Give these tips a try to help you get more sleep starting tonight.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Raleigh, N.C.