Sleep is as important to keeping you healthy as exercising regularly, eating a well-rounded diet and maintaining a healthy weight. But 50% of adults have occasional insomnia, and more than 20% have chronic troubles. You may be able to function on an occasional rough night, but a lack of rest on a regular basis can take a toll on your health. A chronic lack of sleep may increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity and other health issues. It may also lower productivity, make you more prone to accidents and put you in a bad mood. Making sure you sleep better is an important part of staying healthy.
Want to sleep better?
Check out the infographic below for 7 valuable tips to help you snooze.
Infographic Text: How to Sleep Better
- Stick to a sleep schedule
- Go to sleep and wake up around the same time very day. It’s tempting to catch up on sleep when you can but a schedule keeps your body’s clock regulated.
- Watch your food and drink
- Limit caffeine and alcohol later in the day. Don’t eat a large meal shortly before bedtime. Reduce fluids at night if you get up often to use the bathroom.
- Move more during the day
- Regular exercise is one of the best ways to improve your sleep, but don’t do it too close to bedtime because its stimulating effects may keep you up late.
- Manage stress
- Relieving stress helps you sleep better and is good for your health. Journal, meditate, practice deep breathing or find other ways to clear your head before bed.
- Get comfortable
- Set the thermostat to a comfortable temperature, limit light and noise, and choose quality bedding, linens and pillows.
- Create a bedtime ritual
- Find routines that help you relax, such as reading, listening to music or taking a warm bath. Keep screen time to a minimum including phones, laptops and TV.
- Limit daytime naps
- A short power nap may recharge you but if you sleep too much during the day, it makes it harder to fall asleep at night.
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