Relationships June 4, 2018
Remember kindergarten when we all had nap time...
Catching enough Zzzs can be a difficult task, especially during the busy work week. But sufficient sleep is extremely important to your overall health. While it’s no secret that your brain and body need rest, the consequences of not getting enough sleep are truly scary.
We tend to put sleep on the back-burner while making Netflix a priority. It’s time to address this issue. Not getting enough sleep has a variety of negative health consequences, including lack of alertness, impaired memory and relationship stress. Due to a weakened immune system, you are also more at risk for diabetes, heart disease and other illnesses. Your overall quality of life decreases, as does your sex drive, ability to balance and ability to concentrate.
Do these sound like effects you want to avoid? You’re not alone. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one-third of Americans are not getting enough sleep. While the reasons for this may vary, the outcomes are the same. If you’re suffering, try these tricks to get some extra shut-eye!
One main reason you may not be getting enough rest is because you aren’t tiring out your body enough! Try hitting the gym after work and see if you feel more rested the next morning!
I know, I know. You wouldn’t think it would be a big deal, but apparently, it is. Caffeine intake up to SIX hours before bed can affect your sleep. Additionally, a glass of wine may help you start to feel drowsy, but in the long run, it’s actually interfering with your sleep cycle.
I’m sure you’ve heard this one before but it’s very very true. Blue light from electronic devices, such as cell phones or laptops, can suppress melatonin and stimulate mental activity. Try looking away from your screens before bedtime. Pick up a book before bed instead!
Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time each morning is a great way to get your body into a regular sleep pattern. Regular sleeping times promote better sleep, especially because you aren’t shifting your body’s natural clock. Try this even on the weekends!
Last but not least, keep your room a place where you want to be and where you want to rest! Avoid spending too much time in your room during the day. Maintaining your room temperature around 60 to 67 degrees and getting rid of any distracting lights or noises can help lull you to sleep. Ahhh, sleepy town.
If you’ve tried all of these and you are still not feeling rested in the morning, there could be something deeper going on, physically or psychologically. Keep track of when you don’t get enough sleep. Is it every day? Only once in a while? The more you know, the more helpful it will be when you consult with your physician. You need to talk with your doctor right away if you are having these symptoms, as you could be suffering from insomnia, anxiety, depression, a vitamin deficiency or a sleep disorder. Make sure you find out what the cause is and take care of yourself!
