Quality Sleep is Non-Negotiable
By Donna Stark
There are a lot of things that are simply non-negotiable in life. If you want to maintain optimal health, you need to consume a nutritious diet and exercise daily. If a toddler hands you a pretend phone, you take it and join in on the conversation. And if your body is screaming for quality rest, you do what's necessary to prioritize sleep. But sometimes, no matter how much you prepare for bed and stay away from caffeine, you still find yourself counting those non-existent sheep with no sleep in sight. So what gives? What on earth is going on? And when are you finally going to get the rest you need? Well, you made a smart decision to skip that coffee after dinner last night, but there still may be some other culprits that are stealing your rest. Take a look.
You're Exercising Late at Night
We all know that exercise is one of those non-negotiables, but if you have the option to work out earlier in the day or evening, you may want to consider that. Exercise can actually make it harder for you to fall asleep because it increases your heart rate and that can make it difficult for your body to settle down and relax enough to sleep.
You're Not Exercising Enough
On the other hand, if you are not exercising enough, you may be hurting your chances of getting a great night of sleep in. Studies have shown that exercise helps to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and regulating the body's natural circadian rhythms.
You're Addicted to Technology
You need to put those electronic devices down! The blue light that your devices emit can cause your body to produce less melatonin (the body's sleep-inducing hormone) and can increase your overall alertness. Generally, it is recommended to turn those screens off or put them away at least an hour or two before bed.
You're Stressed or Anxious
Stress and anxiety can wreak havoc on your day but worse yet, they can also prevent you from getting the rest you need at night! Try engaging in some meditation or stress reduction techniques before the day ends so that your mind can turn "off" long enough for a good night of rest.
You're Not Eating a Healthy Diet
Like I said above, you made a great choice by skipping that coffee after dinner, but caffeine isn't the only thing in your diet that can keep you awake at night. You may be consuming too many calories right before bed or your diet may not be nutritionally diverse enough. Aim for healthy, balanced meals every day.
Changing Your Behaviors
If you are struggling to fall asleep at night, try changing some of your daily behaviors before you start to panic about the loss of sleep. You may be able to find the culprit by doing so, but if you don't, head on in to The Joint Chiropractic! Your local chiropractors are always there to help!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Parma, Ohio.