Three Elements to Better Sleep… and a Healthier You.

Sleep is a time for your body to recover and rejuvenate; it’s good for your brain, organs, metabolism, and much more.  When you don’t get a good night sleep, your body and your mind suffer.  If a lack of quality sleep is affecting you, here are three things you can do:

1. Fix Your Bedroom

If your bedroom has distractions that keep you from falling or staying asleep, you’re not alone.  Too many people sleep in an environment that’s not conducive to getting a good night’s sleep.  Fixing your bedroom starts includes:

• Keeping your bedroom cool. Warmer temperatures (75° or higher) in the bedroom tend to make it harder to fall asleep.
• Reducing the light in the room – whether it’s light from devices (alarm clocks, cell phones, etc.) or light coming from outside.
• Eliminating or masking noises in your room by turning devices off, using an ambient sound machine, or soundproofing your room.

2. Change Your Habits

What you do during the day -and, of course, closer to bedtime - can affect the quality of sleep you get each night.  Make sure you get regular exercise (not too close to bedtime) and avoid taking naps during the day.  You also shouldn’t eat meals or drink caffeine near bedtime, and you should limit alcohol consumption as well.

3. Replace Your Mattress

Do you feel achy or have pain when you wake up?  Does your mattress have noticeable dips or lumps?  Does your mattress make you sweat when you sleep?  If you said yes to any of these questions or your mattress is no longer comfortable, consider getting a new one.  A mattress should be supportive, comfortable, and free of harmful chemicals (like toxic flame retardants and polyurethane foams) and should help you sleep cool.

These recommendations are not meant to be comprehensive.  If you fix your bedroom, change your habits, and replace your mattress, and you’re still struggling to get a good night’s sleep, consider consulting a doctor or speaking with someone who specializes in sleep disorders.  Sweet dreams!

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