Tips For a Better Night’s Sleep
As recommended by the CDC, Americans should receive eight hours of sleep per night to maintain good health. Unfortunately, the CDC also reported that the majority of American adults (63%) do not get that recommended eight hours of sleep needed for good health. This grouping of 63% excludes those with chronic sleep disorders such as insomnia. The question is then raised, since sleep is so crucial to good health, what can be done to insure we get a good night sleep? Helpguide.org recently released a section on sleep that offers tips on how to get the most out of a night’s sleep.
Helpguide.org identifies dozens of factors affecting the quality of one’s sleep but were able to generate a guideline of three easy steps tips which are designed to provide you get better sleep.
Better Sleep Tip 1: Improving your daytime habits
• Develop an exercise routine
• Get some light to set your body clock
• Avoid napping
• Reduce your daily amounts of alcohol, caffeine and tobacco
Better Sleep Tips II: Creating a better sleep environment
• Make sure your bed, mattress pillows and bedding are comfortable to you. You should not wake up with any sort of cramps or knots.
• Keep the surrounding noise level down
• Keep the bedroom dark
Better Sleep Tips III: Preparing for Sleep
• Keep a regular bedtime schedule (including weekends)
• Eat a healthy diet full of whole grains, calcium and vegetables
• Avoid fatty rich food, especially within two hours of your bedtime
As we all know, sleep is a crucial factor in our everyday lives. To learn more helpful hints on how to improve the quality of your sleep visit both the NorthShore University HealthSystems neuroscience department and the NorthShore University HealthSystems forum on sleep.
