Tips to Better Sleep Articles | Sleep

By: Sleep Maven

Most of us have heard how important sleep is for our health yet 75% or more of us do not get the proper amount of sleep each night. Lack of sleep (or the proper amounts of sleep) can have serious consequences on your health. Studies show that many people get six or fewer hours of sleep each night. Even more staggering statistics show that many people believe this is all the sleep they need. This simply isn’t true. Even in our face-paced world of today it is important to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night.

Over 80% of the American population suffers from some type of sleep disorder or problem with sleeping. Many of these cases are due to stress. Stress causes insomnia, or lack of sleep, and lack of sleep causes more stress. It becomes a cycle that is difficult to beat. However, it can be beaten. There are things you can do to help get more sleep at night.

Here are some tips to better sleep:

• Get in a routine. Our biological clocks function better on a schedule. Routine will help your body know when it is time to get ready for bed and when it is time to sleep. It is suggested that you have dinner at least two hours before you plan to go to bed. There are different things you can add into your bedtime routine such as a hot shower or bath to relax your muscles or some quiet reading time before you sleep. It’s important not to do anything over stimulating just before bed and to avoid TV or computer use right before you plan to go to sleep.
• Have a peaceful sleep environment. Your bed should only be used for sleeping. When you work in bed or watch television in bed during the day, it makes it difficult to get into the routine that the bed is for sleeping. Use your bed for sleeping only and it will help you get better sleep. Another idea is to reduce factors in the room that will make it difficult to sleep. If you like it dark, get dark curtains to block out moonlight or street lights. If you need background noise, try a water fountain, humidifier or white noise machine. All of these factors help establish a peaceful sleep environment.
• Eat healthy. There are many reasons to eat healthy but this is just another one. A healthy diet will help you sleep better at night and reduce insomnia or nighttime waking. If you have a night time snack or evening meal, try to keep the food light so they do not upset your digestive system. Avoid stimulants like caffeine and nicotine.
• Reduce stress. Stress is a major factor in sleep problems so learning to manage your stress in a healthy way will help you sleep better at night. You should resolve petty fights and arguments before bedtime when possible and avoid serious discussions with your partner in the bedroom or in bed. Develop positive thinking methods and practice them before bedtime to set the mood for a peaceful night.

While sleep problems affect many people, the answers are often very simple. If you take the time to learn about why sleep is so important and what you can do to get better sleep, you will find your mood and health increasing.

Take time to follow these tips to better sleep and you will notice you are sleeping more peacefully and soundly throughout the night and waking with more energy, ready to face your day.