Good Sleep For Good Health
Getting a good night’s sleep is something we often take for granted - until something goes wrong. With our hectic lifestyles, crammed full of deadlines, family commitments and little room for relaxation, it’s no wonder our sleep can suffer. Because a good night’s sleep is an important component of our health, it’s wise not to be complacent about it. So, to get the most out of your sleep-time, put in a little planning.
The following tips may be helpful if you are having trouble falling asleep at bedtime. However, if you continue suffering from sleep problems, we recommend you consult your Doctor for medical advice.
Prepare the sleep environment...
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet and cosy. Remove unnecessary distractions like TV’s and radios, use soft lighting and ensure that your bedroom is a comfortable temperature.
Prepare your body for sleep...
- Avoid ‘sleep stealers’ like caffeine, alcohol and nicotine. These substances are detrimental to our body’s ability to relax effectively.
- Choose wisely the activities you perform before bedtime - go for quiet activities that help ‘wind you down’ and prepare for rest. A warm bath and/or quiet music are two good examples.
- Try getting your body into a routine of sleeping and waking. Go to bed and rise at the same time each day - even on weekends (if you can). While a long sleep-in feels nice, it can often leave you feeling extra tired.
- If you feel the need to enjoy a nap - limit the duration to less than 30 minutes.
Upon waking...
- Expose your body to bright lights or sunshine as this helps stimulate hormones that cause us to wake and feel alert.