Sleep has a major impact on overall health and quality of life, including the way we feel, look, and perform on a daily basis. Your body needs sleep to repair muscles, consolidate memories, and regulate hormones and appetite.
Sufficient sleep positively affects our learning and memory, metabolism and weight, safety, heart health, and mood. Sleep needs for adults range between 7 and 9 hours. If you’re having trouble getting quality sleep, try a few of the following tips:
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine.
- Turn off the TV and other electronic devices before bed.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing at bedtime.
- Keep a sleep journal.
- If you can’t sleep within 20 minutes, get out of bed and participate in a quiet, relaxing activity.
- Eat a balanced diet and don’t eat heavy meals before bedtime.
- Exercise in the afternoon or early evening.
- Do not lie in bed once awake in the morning.
By: Ashley Svaty
