Good Habits for Good Sleep
July 6, 2008
Sleep may be elusive for you. In fact, it may be getting more elusive as time goes by. Perhaps all you need to change is some habits you may have picked up.
Perhaps all you need to change is some habits you may have picked up. Changing habits for good sleep is called sleep hygiene these days. Here are some habits to look at:
*Taking caffeine or chocolate even much earlier in the day. Perhpas your body chemistry is changing as you age, and you can no longer tolerate these as you did before. Try going without for a few days.
*Exercising in the evening. Exercise for your recommended 30 minutes can get your heart rate up and can keep you awake. Try exercising before 6 p.m.
*Sugar late in the day. Are you drinking or eating sweets late in the day? Sugar can be a stimulant, and as such can rev you up so you can’t sleep. Beware of natural sugar, too, such as the sugar in orange juice.
*Arguing. Don’t argue with anyone after supper. Just make an appointment for an earnest discussion the following ay.
*Creative projects. Are you working on a creative project late in the day? This can get your creative juices flowing too strongly at bedtime. This could be great for ideas for your project, but bad for sleep. Best to save these for the following day.
So much for what to avoid. So, what can you DO to improve your sleep hygiene?
*Do calm things after supper, in a calm way.
*If you read near bedtime, read news magazines or other items that have no exciting story line.
*For watching TV and video, choose documentaries over thrillers.
So, now you have plenty of tips for good sleep hygiene. Try them out. They could be just what you are looking for.
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