3 Tips for Improving Your Sleep
By Virginia Laird
All too often you may find yourself waking up wishing you could get just a few more minutes of shut-eye. Is there anything that can be done to help improve sleep? The truth is, quality of sleep can boil down to the little things in life. Likewise, a slight change in these small habits, or the addition of something like routine chiropractic care, can make a huge difference in the ability to get a good night of rest. Some of these things can include:
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Decreasing caffeine intake - It can take up to 7 hours for caffeine to get out of the body. Steering clear of it later in the day can help your sleep.
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Limiting your alcohol - Alcohol has the ability to alter sleep patterns. This can wreak havoc on sleep.
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Eating lighter - Heavier meals can cause heartburn. This can keep you up for hours on end.
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Staying clear of naps - Naps are a killer to your ability to fall asleep in the evening. It is suggested (if you must have some shut-eye) to take no more than 15 minutes and sleep sitting in a chair.
These things may seem a bit like large changes. There are some smaller changes that can improve one's sleep. Consider these three changes:
Reduce Your Screen Time
Melatonin is produced naturally by the body. This hormone plays a role in your body’s ability to sleep. Its production is affected by light. When your body’s production of melatonin is hampered, your sleep will inevitably become restless. If you want to read, choose a book instead of a device. If you feel the need to check Facebook, Instagram, etc., do so earlier or just wait until morning. Keep in mind that once upon a time you did survive without social media.
Make Time for a Workout
Working out helps the body burn energy. Research suggests that feelings of depression and anxiety, among other things, are kept away with a good exercise. Working out helps your body produce “happy hormones,” also known as endorphins. This can help improve your mood. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, a simple walk in the evening can help you get in the routine.
Visit Your Chiropractor
Another reason you may be having a difficult time sleeping is tension in the body. Your chiropractor can help release the tension with the help of a few adjustments to the spine. These can restore function to the body. As the spine restricts, it can cause various functions to be altered. Including routine visits to your chiropractor can help restore function and (quite possibly) help sleep improve.
To learn more about your health and wellness, visit your local The Joint Chiropractic.