A healthy body and a sound mind
Are you having weird and unpleasant dreams lately? Well, you’re not the only one. With a worldwide pandemic going on due to COVID-19, it’s brought immense amounts of anxiety and uncertainty for a lot of us. It’s unsurprising that we are experiencing anxiety dreams on top of everything else going on in our lives.
[Read more…]Sleep deprivation is one of the causes of poor productivity in the workplace, a tired feeling during the day and not to forget, stress. Humans normally need from seven to nine hours of sleep to feel fully awake during the daytime.
The National Sleep Foundation says when an individual is not able to rest well after 9 p.m., the body will experience a slower survival mode. This is due to the failure of the body to release the hormone melatonin which is beneficial in helping people sleep.
It should be understood that sleeping woes differ from one person to another. As such, it is important to know what may be causing your inability to dose off so you can take the right steps.
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A lack of sleep is more than just an inconvenience, especially if you’re experiencing sleep insufficiency three or more nights a week. Insomnia and other sleep disorders have become a problem for many adults in the U.S. In fact, poor or insufficient sleep is such a problem the Centers for Disease Control has named it a public health epidemic. Prescription sleeping pills are a quick answer for some, but the unwanted side effects and concerns about dependency make pharmaceutical solutions a last resort for many of the chronically sleep deprived.
Instead of turning to medications that may or may not help, try these six easy lifestyle-based solutions for a good night’s sleep.
The solution to your restless nights may be as simple as investing in a new mattress. If you wake up tired with aches and pains, if your mattress is more than five years old, if it’s visibly lumpy or saggy, if you’re over 40 or if you sleep better in a hotel than you do in your own bed the source of your sleeping problem may be right under your nose – or under your back as the case may be.
It might smell suspicious, but scientific research has shown that the scent of lavender is calming and produces mildly sedative effects. Skip the drugstore candles and purchase a small bottle of pure lavender essential oil. Rub a drop or two on your temples as part of your bedtime ritual.
While you should avoid caffeine, alcohol, cigarettes sweets and large or spicy meals before bedtime, a small carbohydrate-based snack may help make you drowsy. Try eating a few whole-grain crackers, a small serving of warm oatmeal or half a turkey sandwich about 20 minutes before you head to bed.
Create a comfortable, cozy sleeping area free of distraction. Move the TV or computer out of the bedroom. The light from these electronics actually suppresses our natural melatonin production and makes insomnia worse, and though some people use television to relax, more often it stimulates the mind and makes sleep more elusive. Use low-wattage bulbs, comfortable, breathable sheets and blankets on your bed and keep the room slightly cool. If you enjoy reading in bed avoid using a backlit e-reader, which also suppresses melatonin. Enjoy a good old-fashioned print book by the glow of a soft light instead.
Spending all day indoors under fluorescent lighting can throw off your natural circadian rhythm. Spend at least a few minutes in the morning and afternoon outside with the sun on your face sans sunglasses, and keep curtains and blinds open as much as possible.
Whichever new sleep habits you decide to try, the important thing is to create a familiar bedtime routine to follow every night. Get ready for bed at the same time each night, eat a bowl of cereal, spend five minutes in quiet mediation – whatever you do, do it regularly. Eventually your brain will begin to relate sleep with those behaviors and will naturally ready itself for rest when the routine begins.
Sleep deprivation can affect your health by compromising your immune system, sabotaging weight loss or making you more prone to serious accidents. If you are suffering from a chronic lack of sleep don’t brush it off as the natural consequence of a busy life. If lifestyle changes don’t lead to a better night’s rest, consult your physician before your health or safety are severely compromised.
Thomas is a heath enthusiast with a passion for writing. In his spare time, he enjoys blogging on behalf of Sears and other brands he loves.
Sleep apnea affects millions of people worldwide. This health issue can be bothersome as it causes a person to wake up several times during the night and can lead to snoring or pauses in breathing.
The mild form can be easily treated through changes in lifestyle and sleeping habits. Medical experts say reducing weight, avoiding alcohol, smoking and sleeping pills are some of the ways to lessen the occurrence of sleep apnea. Additionally, changing one’s sleeping positions can help improve breathing. Sleeping on the back is not recommended.
For patients with suffering from chronic sleep apnea, a common treatment is the CPAP or the continuous positive airway pressure. This method makes use of a mask worn over the nose and/or mouth while sleeping. The mask is connected to a machine that provides continuous air flow to the nose.
Other treatments for this sleeping problem are the use of breathing devices, dental devices that help maintain an open airway and surgery in worse cases. Breathing tools include the bilevel positive airway pressure (BPAP) and adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV). The two basic oral tools are the mandibular repositioning and tongue retaining devices. Surgical procedures can be on the nasal area, the throat and palate and the face.
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