Jenny Crissman MS, L. Ac.
I do not know a single person that would disagree with the fact that a good nights sleep makes life much more enjoyable! Most people know they need to eat right and exercise to be healthy. But sleep is the sometimes the forgotten pillar of wellness and longevity.
Why is Sleep Good?
It improves immune function- fewer colds!
It may improve your sex life- especially if your a woman.
It will help with weight management and carbohydrate craving.
How do We Get Better Sleep?
"Sleep Hygiene" is the key factor:
Try to go to be at about the same time every night, including weekends.
Keep your wake-up time consistent, including weekends.
Avoid taking naps. If you must nap make sure you do not sleep longer than an hour and do not nap after 3 p.m..
Avoid Screens before bed: tablet, phone, television...try to get rid of these devices in the bedroom.
Don't use your bed for anything other than sleep and romance. No TV, no eating, no reading please!
Avoid strenuous exercise before bed. Yoga can be o.k. as long as it is the relaxing variety.
Don't eat meals and avoid late night snacking before bed.
Get some sunshine. Sunshine our only source of vitamin D, helps regulate your internal clock.
Keep the bedroom cool. Cool bodies sleep better.
Once you do adopt better sleep habits and if you still find yourself chronically "tired" consider that there maybe other underlying medical conditions are contributing to your loss of sleep:
Sleep Apnea- Typically a person doesn't know he or she has sleep apnea. Usually they become alerted to the problem by a bed partner or family member. Snoring is one of the primary warning signs of apnea.
Restless Let Syndrome- Characterized by the urge to move your legs especially when at rest. Symptoms are often more pronounced at night in bed.
Chronic Insomnia- Sometimes related to nutritional or neurotransmitter deficiencies.
Hot Flashes- Menopausal woman often have hot flashes and they are not limited to the daytime. In fact heat at night can disrupt sleep and result in night sweats.
What Helps:
Exercise
Meditation-https://theconsciouslife.com/how-to-meditate-a-guide-for-beginners.htm
Melatonin-https://www.verywell.com/melatonin-benefits-uses-tips-and-more-89808
Acupuncture- http://www.naturalnews.com/040001_acupuncture_insomnia_improved_sleep.html
If you or someone you know needs Happy ZZZ's try some acupuncture and herbs today!