We have all heard that getting a good night’s sleep directly impacts how we feel during the day. If you have insomnia, or even sleep poorly for just one night, you will probably feel it the next day. However, if you continually get poor sleep or are sleep deprived, you may be in for some serious health problems down the road.
In other words, even in the short-term, lack of an adequate sleep can affect you, both physically and psychologically. Being tired due to lack of sleep affects judgment and decision making, mood, and memory, and can increase your risk of injury. Those who suffer from chronic sleep deprivation may experience a host of severe complications and health issues ranging from chronic pain, obesity, and diabetes, to cardiovascular disease, and even death if left untreated.
Whether it’s not getting enough sleep or struggling to get up in the morning, sleep should not be considered a luxury. While most of us know how important sleep is to our health, many may not realize they’re practicing poor sleep habits. Here are three unhealthy mistakes to avoid.
1. Hitting the snooze button. Avoid hitting the snooze button. It is definitely best to set your alarm and keep it away from your bed. Having your phone close to your bed makes it too easy to succumb to the urge to catch up on social media or text a friend. Keeping your alarm away from your bed reduces the chances of hitting the snooze button over and over, and it makes you get up out of bed to start the day.
2. Disorganized sleeping patterns. Have your sleep routine in place. If this means going to bed at approximately the same time each night and getting up at the same time each morning this will regulate your circadian rhythm. If you’re disorganized with your sleeping routine, you end up interrupting your natural sleeping rhythms, which often causes insomnia and fatigue.
3. Stressing. Stress affects the body in so many ways and is a huge reason why so many find it difficult to sleep at night. Bedtime should be a time to practice relaxation, if for no other reason than because stress produces a chemical called cortisol, which physically stops us from sleeping. Try and clear your mind before bedtime and make an effort to think positive thoughts that aid sleep. Read a book and be sure to turn off or cover all lights – including the blinking blue light on your DVR! Drinking some chamomile herbal tea or take a lavender or Epsom salt bath before bed is sure to invite sweet dreams.
Getting a good night’s sleep shouldn’t have to be a dream. You can wake up to a new day by learning more about how you can avoid sleep mistakes that are draining your energy and peace of mind. Call Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, today at (817) 594-9993, or request an appointment online for a rested tomorrow.
