This week I want to talk to you about sleep. We all know that sleep is important to your cognitive abilities and reaction time behind the wheel, but did you know that it’s actually one of the main factors in how quickly and effectively you can heal after being injured? Sleep is one of the most important factors to our physical and mental health. Unfortunately, the vast majority of us don’t get enough of it, and it often has a serious negative impact on our lives. Here are a few things that you can do to make sure you get a good night’s rest.
1. Have a Cool Room. Multiple scientific studies have been done that show that having a lower temperature in your bedroom can help you stay asleep. This is because your body doesn’t need to do as much while you’re just lying there, so you can rest at a lower temperature. Keeping it nice and cool in your sleeping space may mean that you stay cozy and comfortable, so try it and see if it makes a difference for you.
2. Unplug. Staying off of your electronic devices for at least an hour before you go to bed may seem difficult in today’s society, but it can make a huge difference in your sleep health. Try plugging your phone out of reach and turning the television off before you go through your night time routine. The blue light that electronics give off has been proven to disrupt a human’s natural circadian rhythm, so by getting away from the screens, you should be able to sleep more regularly.
3. Let Your Food Settle. Most of us have been told that we shouldn’t eat spicy food before bed, but did you know it’s better not to eat anything for at least an hour before you fall asleep? Digesting food can keep you awake, especially if you have stomach or bowel problems. It may even cause you to gain weight if you lay down too quickly and fall asleep before everything can settle. If you’re hungry you should definitely eat, but do your best to avoid those midnight snacks.
Sleeping is one of the most important things you can do, but it is one that many of us end up neglecting. Try these tips and see how much better you feel between a good night’s rest and some chiropractic care at Wirth!
