In spite of the fact that sleep is so imperative to health, humans have quite a track record of messing it up. How many times have you been lying in bed only to realize that sleep is never going to come? How often do you find yourself telling your co-workers, “I just couldn’t get to sleep last night”? Instead of complaining and going about your day feeling lethargic, consider the many changes you can make to embrace sleep each night and finally regain your health.
1. What are you eating?
The calories you are taking in could possibly lead to problems sleeping. In fact, the type of fat you are taking in could make quite a difference on your tossing and turning. Some of the unhealthy fats you consume are lowering the levels of orexin in your body, causing you to become restless at night. You should be eating omega-3s and unsaturated oils.
2. Are you snoring?
Snoring can influence your sleep, even if it simply causes you to wake up on occasion. If you aren’t taking all possible precautions to keep yourself from snoring, you might be sabotaging yourself without even knowing it. Elevate your head with pillows or consider using breathing strips to get a better night of sleep.
3. Are you comfortable?
Your lack of sleep could be the result of something simple — discomfort. Make sure to buy pillows and a mattress that leave you in bliss. Additionally, it could be something as simple as a change in your room’s temperature that leads you to a good night’s sleep.
4. Are you getting enough activity?
Not only does spending time exercising help you get tired just in time to sleep, but spending time outside is also immensely helpful. Spending time in the sun helps to give your serotonin levels a necessary boost, producing the melatonin necessary to give you a restful night of sleep. If you can’t spend time outdoors each day because of work or other obligations, asking your doctor for a melatonin supplement could be helpful.
5. Are you spending time in front of a screen?
As tempting as it may be to spend time reading on your tablet or laptop in bed, this nighttime habit could cause you to toss and turn more than you realize. The light emanating from your screen could take a toll on your melatonin levels. You might want to rethink this habit.
6. Are you relaxing?
The last few hours before bed should be relaxing, not stressful. A bedtime ritual is perfect for anybody who struggles to get ready for bed. The ritual may include a warm bath, turning off the television, putting on pajamas and reading a book for 15 minutes in bed. This is also a great time to write in a journal to de-stress.
Sleep no longer needs to feel elusive. Instead, it should welcome you with open arms. You should look forward to going to bed each night, not to tossing and turning for hours on end. These strategies will help you get there. Contact us to learn more about regaining your health and wellness.