Sleep is something we spend on average 30% of our life doing. It’s an absolutely necessary part of your daily life that many people often neglect. This week, we want to highlight a few ideas to help you sleep better, and have a more productive and enjoyable everyday life. 1. Buy a good bed! People are quick to spend big money on cars, jewelry, and other flashy items, but often skimp on their research and money spent on their bed. Although most people will probably never see your mattress, get a good one. You’ll enjoy its rewards every day. 2. Practice good sleep hygiene. Think about what you do before bed: do you eat? exercise? watch t.v. or work on a brightly lit computer screen? These are all things that could affect your sleep cycle. Try spending 10-15 minutes before … Continue reading
-An article from Reuters Women, try not to think of this if you lie awake at night: having trouble sleeping means you’re likely to gain weight. As if simply getting older weren’t hard enough, new research shows that middle-aged and older women who have trouble falling or staying asleep may pack on more pounds than their well-rested contemporaries. A number of studies have found that sleep-deprived children and adults are more likely to be overweight than those who usually get a full night’s rest. But many of those studies assessed people at one point in time, so it was hard to know which came first, the sleep problems or the excess pounds. A few studies have followed people over time, but they’ve disagreed about whether poor sleep is linked to expanding waistlines. The new findings, reported in the International Journal … Continue reading
by Michael Rea, PharmD Melatonin is a naturally occurring substance that is made in your body to help control sleep function. It is released from the pineal gland about 2 hours before your normal bedtime, and helps control your bodies circadian rhythm, or sleep and wake cycles. As we age, the function of the gland can decrease by as much as 40%, leaving many seniors and baby boomers more sleep deprived and not as cognitively sharp as they may otherwise be. There are several ways to combat this potential sleep problem, one being the supplementation of melatonin. Supplementing your body with melatonin may give your body a boost in falling, and maintaining a proper sleep schedule. It is not for everyone, but may be a good option for those who have had these levels checked by their doctor and have … Continue reading
How good is your sleep hygiene? Did you get enough last night? Its pretty universal that people typically answer this question with a strong, “No!” Our “on the go” society leaves less time for sleep as we cram more production out of each day. In a recent study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, scientists found a link between sleep deprivation and weight gain. According to the study, when participants had their nightly sleep amounts cut in half, from 8 hours to 4 hours, they consumed 550+ more calories per day! When you add all of those calories up, we’re talking 3500+ calories per week, which is equal to over a pounds worth of extra calories. The best way to fight off this unwanted calorie intake and potential weight gain, is to practice good sleep hygiene! It includes … Continue reading
For millions of Americans, the end of the day brings a time of reflection. This reflection typically includes thoughts about the day that has passed, and concerns that will come over the next day or two. This time of reflection can be stressful with worries that may include relationships, health, work, and money. Ironically, lack of sleep can be a downward spiral, causing your stress to increase in one or several of the areas listed above. So what are some things you can do to fight off this downward spiral of sleep deprivation? The first suggestion is to stick to a daily routine. This routine should include set wake/sleep times, cutting out caffeine and alcohol 4-6 hours before bedtime, and exercising to release stress. Talking about stressful topics should be done several hours before bedtime if possible so the mind … Continue reading
