Lose the Bad Habits That Disrupt Your Sleep

By Donna Stark

If you are like most people, you have gotten pretty good at listening to directions and taking advice from those who may know more about a certain topic than you do. After all, you've gotten this far in your life without too many disasters, and that is probably because you've had your fair share of teachers, coaches, and professionals telling you what to do. For example, you listen to your lawn care guy about what type of seed to plant and your dentist about flossing your teeth, and as a result, your yard has never looked greener and your teeth have never been whiter. Yes, it's a good thing to listen to the experts and follow their advice, and you do it so well, but why are you still feeling so sluggish and tired all of the time? Even after following your doctor's advice on getting the proper amount of sleep each night?

It's Not All About Sleep

If you are getting enough sleep but are still feeling fatigued or exhausted throughout your days, you may need to consider other aspects of your life that could be draining your energy and affecting your health. You see, lack of sleep isn't the only thing that can cause you to feel tired. In fact, you may be surprised at what does. Let's take a look at some other bad habits that can certainly have the same effect on your body.

• You don't exercise enough - Regular exercise (at least 30 minutes, three times a week) can leave you feeling healthier, stronger, and more energized over time. So before you come home and put your feet up, try some physical activity first.
• You aren't drinking enough water - Most people are dehydrated and most people are fighting fatigue throughout their days. A simple solution for both? Drink more water! Being dehydrated definitely takes a toll on your energy levels and significantly impacts your health.
• You are skipping breakfast - Fueling your body for the day with a healthy breakfast is one of the most important things you can do. Choose a breakfast that includes whole grains, protein, and healthy fats to start your day off on the right foot!
• You are drinking alcohol before bed - Although that glass of wine seems like a good idea to unwind after a long day and can make you sleepy, it's not the best choice to make before bed. Alcohol can cause disruptions in your sleep and wreak havoc on your ability to get a good night of rest, so try to have your last glass at least three hours before your head hits the pillow.
• You are on your electronic device - The light that your electronic device emits can throw off your sleep cycle by keeping your pupils dilated and disrupting your natural circadian rhythm. It's recommended that you turn off your device a couple of hours before bedtime.

Healthy Habits for More Energy

Listening to your doctor is great, but don't forget to listen to your body as well. If it's feeling tired and struggling to get through the day, try making a few changes in your lifestyle. It might just be exactly what you need to start waking up feeling more refreshed and energized!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Pooler, Ga.