Get some zzzz’s
Sleep, a warm comfy bed, a good night’s rest and you are ready to start a new day refreshed. But how often do we all get a good night’s sleep and how important is it, really?
Apparently very important. Besides rest, sleep enables the brain to lay down new pathways which helps us remember new things and staves off dementia and other brain debilitating diseases. We can remember more and think more clearly after a good night’s sleep.
Our skin rejuvenates itself during sleep, our bodies rest and prepare for the challenges of a new day. But if you don’t sleep well, what can you do.
There are several things:
Make sure your bedroom is a haven for sleep. No TV, no radio, no lights, no exercise equipment, no food. The bedroom is for sleeping (and well maybe one other thing) but it should be restful.
You should be ready to rest. No TV or video games (if that’s your thing) or computer surfing at least an hour before bed. The lights on computers and electronic devices stimulate our brains and tell them ‘it’s time to wake up!’ so read a book instead.
No heavy meals just before bed. Any last minute nightcaps should not be alcoholic. Alcohol puts us to sleep and then wakes us up a few hours later after it wears off.
When trying to fall asleep, work on clearing your mind and letting go of the day. You can count sheep but new studies show that a simple form of meditation, focusing on your breathing, works better. It’s good for your brain too. If you do wake up in the middle of the night, refocusing on your breathing can help you fall back asleep.
Different things work better for different people, see what works best for you and Good Night!
Sleep, a warm comfy bed, a good night’s rest and you are ready to start a new day refreshed. But how often do we all get a good night’s sleep and how important is it, really?
Apparently very important. Besides rest, sleep enables the brain to lay down new pathways which helps us remember new things and staves off dementia and other brain debilitating diseases. We can remember more and think more clearly after a good night’s sleep.
Our skin rejuvenates itself during sleep, our bodies rest and prepare for the challenges of a new day. But if you don’t sleep well, what can you do.
There are several things:
Make sure your bedroom is a haven for sleep. No TV, no radio, no lights, no exercise equipment, no food. The bedroom is for sleeping (and well maybe one other thing) but it should be restful.
You should be ready to rest. No TV or video games (if that’s your thing) or computer surfing at least an hour before bed. The lights on computers and electronic devices stimulate our brains and tell them ‘it’s time to wake up!’ so read a book instead.
No heavy meals just before bed. Any last minute nightcaps should not be alcoholic. Alcohol puts us to sleep and then wakes us up a few hours later after it wears off.
When trying to fall asleep, work on clearing your mind and letting go of the day. You can count sheep but new studies show that a simple form of meditation, focusing on your breathing, works better. It’s good for your brain too. If you do wake up in the middle of the night, refocusing on your breathing can help you fall back asleep.
Different things work better for different people, see what works best for you and Good Night!