Tips For Better Sleep

We instinctively know the importance of a good night’s sleep. Our sleep patterns are effected by something known as circadian rhythms. Today’s fast paced lifestyle can interfere with our circadian rhythms causing sleep interruptions and the inevitable fatigue we feel the next day.

Take a moment before going to sleep to contemplate 3 POSITIVE things to be thankful for that occurred today. Positive thinking eases personal tension and stress allowing for a better night's sleep.

If possible, adopt a daily exercise routine to burn off anxiety, but not too close to bedtime. Regular exercise can result in fewer sleepless nights. Exercising in the morning or afternoon for at least 30 minutes 3-4 times per week will give you more energy during wakeful hours and allow you to sleep more soundly.

Limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day. Drinking alcohol before going to sleep may give you the desired sedative effect putting you to sleep, but it will disrupt the second half of your sleep cycle. This disruption can make you wake up before you want to and weaken your sleep's value causing you to be less alert during wakeful hours of the day.

Quit smoking. Recent studies find that smoking before bed can cause you to sleep less soundly. Additionally, quitting smoking promotes overall health and improves your ability to exercise daily, as recommended above.
 
Give yourself at least one hour before bedtime to relax and wind down.