Sleep awareness week - the health benefits, how to do it

Your Day Begins With Sleep

A cup of coffee, a hot shower or a morning workout – most people have something that helps jumpstart the day. However, your day really begins with sleep. That’s the focus of the National Sleep Foundation’s 2018 Sleep Awareness Week.

Sleep is one of the most important things you can do for your health. And it’s not just any sleep. To benefit from sleep, you need to get the right amount of REM. And it’s easier said, than done. Many people suffer from sleep disorders like insomnia, restless leg syndrome and teeth grinding. Stress and schedules also get in the way.

The Benefits of Enough ZZZ’s

Sleep makes you feel good, it’s not a secret. But there may be a lot of benefits to sleeping that you don’t

realize.

• Improves memory
• Decreases inflammation
• Burns calories
• Boost creativity
• Lowers stress
• Maintains weight
• Fights depression

Get Into a Routine

Parents are told the importance of establishing and sticking with a routine for their children in order to help them get enough sleep. But how many adults follow the same advice? Going to bed at the same time every night and waking up at the same time, triggers a better night’s sleep. Continue this pattern on the weekends and non-work days. A routine will help trigger sleepiness in your body at night and help you feel more awake in the morning.

Avoid Bedtime Distractions

Falling asleep isn’t always as easy as crawling into bed and putting your head down on the pillow. In the hour or two before bed it’s important to avoid any distractions that could create an unsettling night’s sleep. One of the biggest struggles for adults is avoiding screens of any kind including cellphones, tablets and TVs. Screen time sabotages sleep because the blue light emitted from the screens can disrupt the body’s internal clock and make it harder to fall asleep.

• If you use your cellphone as an alarm clock set it ahead of time or do a recurring alarm
• Read paperback books instead of watching TV or movies
• Avoid checking emails and text messages at least an hour before bed - they can wait – your bedtime can’t

Give Your Bed a Makeover

People are taught not to be “high-maintenance” but when it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, do whatever you need to do to make a comfortable environment for sleeping. Invest in a mattress and pillows that are ergonomically friendly. You can’t get a good night’s sleep if you have a sore back. Choose bedding that is comfortable and adjust the temperature to your liking. Consider a humidifier and/or sound machine. Figure out what works best for you, and make it happen.

For more information check out the National Sleep Foundation.

#YourDayBeginsWithSleep