
Healthy facts about sleeping
Ten steps to better health...
For the rest of your life

- Set a sleep schedule. Keep bedtime and wake-up time the same all week
long.
- Exercise regularly. Don't exercise close to bedtime, but do 20 to 30
minutes of exercise at least three times per week.
- Cut down on stimulants. Consuming caffeine, found in coffee and
chocolate, makes it harder to fall asleep and fall into deep sleep.
- Don't sleep on a bed that's too soft, too hard or too old. Replace
your innerspring mattress if it is eight to ten years old. Or switch to
an adjustable firmness mattress with air support for better sleep today.
- Don't smoke, and drink only in moderation. Smoking and alcohol have
detrimental effects on sleep similar to caffeine.
- Unwind in the evening. Try to deal with worries and distractions
before going to bed.
- Don't go to bed stuffed or starved. A full stomach causes you to toss
and turn. An empty stomach causes discomfort.
- Develop a sleep ritual. Do the same things in the same order each
night before bed.
- Give sleep priority. Don't take the temptation to stay up late for
movies, parties, etc.
- When you can't sleep....Eat a high carbohydrate snack of pasta or
bread. Sip warm milk or herbal tea. Take a warm bath. Alternately tense
and relax your muscles. Breathe deeply. Get up and read or listen to
music. Hypnotize yourself by repeating 'I'm getting sleepy.' Try to stay
awake to take the pressure off trying to sleep. Cut back on sleep time.
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