Tips For a Better Nights Sleep
Sleep is a crucial component for health, performance and daily living. During sleep our bodies repair themselves and our brains integrate new information, organize memories and put learned information into long-term memory. If you have trouble getting enough sleep these tips can help you build better habits: • Limit caffeine, particularly in the afternoon and evening. • Limit alcohol. Especially avoid excessive consumption before bed. • Try to quit tobacco use; nicotine is a stimulant. • Don’t use a computer, cell phone or handheld device in the 90 minutes before bedtime. LED lighting “tells” the brain to stay awake. • Limit television viewing before bed. • Lower the temperature in the house or bedroom before and during sleep. The body likes cooler temperatures. Many sleep doctors suggest lowering body temperature 90 minutes before bedtime. • Take a hot bath 90-120 minutes before bed. • Use the bed only for sleeping, lovemaking, and perhaps reading before sleep. • Nap only 15...