Improve Sleeping Habits
By Ashley Chapman
Sleep is an important part of a healthy life. Without the necessary hours of sleep, you may find that you lack energy or cannot focus as easily. While it is easy to say get more sleep, there may be things standing in your way of a good night's rest. Read more to find out the importance of sleep and ways you can improve your sleeping habits.
Why is Sleep Important?
While it can be possible to make it through the day with the least amount of sleep, it may not be the healthiest option. Sleep is more than just feeling energized. The amount of sleep you get at night can have either a positive or a negative impact in your overall health.
Not getting enough sleep could negatively impact you in the following ways:
- Difficulty with memory
- Weight gain
- Increased stress
- Increased inflammation
Ways to Improve your Sleep
If you are having a hard time getting enough sleep throughout the week, it may be your daily habits getting in the way. Here are some strategies to getting more sleep at night.
Temperature of Room
Do you know what temperature your room is when you go to sleep? How warm or how cold your room is can be a huge reason why you may not be getting enough sleep. Research has shown that sleeping in a room that is too hot might be making it harder for you to sleep enough. If you have central heat, try to use bedding that is not as warm and if you do not have central heat, using warmer blankets to stay warm.
Replace Your Pillows
Think about that last time you purchased new pillows. Can you remember? Replacing your pillows often can help improve your sleep. After a few months, pillows lose their ability to form and offer support to your neck and head. Try replacing your pillows once or twice a year to help improve your neck and head support.
Relax
Feeling stressed before bed can negatively influence how much sleep you are receiving. What can be helpful is finding ways to de-stress before laying down. Some ways that may help de-stress include taking a warm bath, meditating, reading a book or taking a walk outside.
Avoid Sugar and Caffeine
Eating sugar right before your bedtime could be a recipe for disaster as sugar gives you energy. Try to avoid foods such as candy, cookies, tea with caffeine and/or sugar and coffee.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parma, Ohio.