Sleep deprivation is hazardous to our health! Major health risks include: weight gain, Type 2 Diabetes, ADHD, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s, stroke, etc.
Millions of Australians have trouble sleeping and it is progressively getting worse with an ever increasing number of electronic gadgets and bad habits. When you fail to get enough sleep, there is decreased blood flow to the brain, which disrupts thinking, memory and concentration.
Healthy sleep is essential to healthy brain function. Sleep rejuvenates all the cells in your body, gives brain cells time to repair, helps to wash away toxins that build up through the day, and allows activation of neuronal connections (cells that transmit nerve impulses), that otherwise deteriorate due to inactivity.
Strategies for improving sleep …
(Try some of these until you find something that works for you!):
- Set a regular sleep time – get up & go to bed at around the same time each day, even on weekends.
- Create a restful bedroom – control temperature so it’s not too hot or cold, keep the room as dark as possible.
- Develop a soothing bedtime routine – use relaxing music or nature sounds, meditate, stretch, do some relaxation breathing, have a warm bath or a massage.
- Avoid daytime naps, if you’re having trouble sleeping – this can disrupt your sleep cycle.
- Stay away from stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine or sugar – at least 4-6 hours before bed.
- Avoid a full stomach – don’t eat for 2-3 hours before bed.
- Regular exercise – this is highly beneficial, but not within a few hours of going to bed.
Turn your dreams into a reality and sleep well again … zzzzz