4 Tips for Quality Sleep at Night
By Stephen R. Farris
When it comes to sleep, there's no doubt about it, we don't get the required amount that we need to function properly throughout the day. It's becoming more common in this day and time, whether you're a teenager, young adult, or 40 years old and above.
Most of the time the inability to get the restful sleep we need can be blamed on the type of job we have, combining work and school, or not keeping a regular routine; get up at the same time each day and go to bed at the same time each night.
Other factors include staring at a computer screen for long hours, watching too much television, looking at our smartphones, tablets, and laptops before bedtime. You see, we need time to wind down before laying our heads down for the night. That means putting away those electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. Same goes for turning off the television an hour before going to bed.
The bottom line is that we need time to actually wind down. To clear our minds and relax. Let's take a look at some examples that could improve your sleeping habits at night.
Cool Down Your Bedroom
It's almost like going into hibernation, but for the short term. Cooling down your bedroom can lead to a restful night's sleep, because -- according to experts -- our body needs to cool down at least a couple of degrees in order to drift off to sleep and remain asleep throughout the night.
Blackout Your Bedroom
A cool, dark room could be the combination you need to help improve your sleep. Research suggests that to help you get better rest at night is to keep out as much light in your room as possible. You might try putting up blackout curtains on your windows, and make sure the hall light is turned off so it won't shine into the room from underneath the door.
Stay Awake in the Evenings
After a hard day at work or school, most of us come home and eat an evening meal, then cozy up on the sofa to watch our favorite television shows or a good movie. We become relaxed, which makes it easier to fall asleep where we're sitting. When we wake up, it's time for actual bedtime, but now it's hard to go back to sleep. Experts suggest avoiding those evening naps. Try sitting next to, or underneath a bluish white, or cool white light in the evenings instead of a warm white light.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Taylors, S.C.