Having a good night’s sleep helps us to feel refreshed and rejuvenated for the next day, but the main reason why we need sleep is to give the brain a rest. That is why we cannot live without sleep.
Doctors recommend consistent sleep between 7 and 9 hours every night. Frequent lack of adequate sleep can be detrimental to your health, although many of us struggle to sleep well at night.
How Can I Get Enough Sleep?
Let’s talk about some tips you can implement in your daily routine to get that good night’s rest:
Keep a Sleep Journal
A sleep journal is a daily record of how much and how well you sleep at night. Sleep specialists usually ask their patients to maintain a sleep journal so that their sleeping problems can be evaluated. This will help the doctor in determining the cause so that the issues can be properly addressed, so the patient can enjoy a good night’s rest once again.
Let Go of Your Gadgets Before Bedtime
Technical gadgets with screens, from TVs to cellphones, emit blue light that can keep you awake. Moreover, a recent survey from the American Psychological Association revealed that absorbing the news before bedtime tends to cause stress and sleep loss, because it causes your brain to have to work while you’re trying to calm down.
Reduce Stress
Stress is a common cause of sleep problems. Reduce your stress levels by incorporating a calming nightly routine, including turning off your digital devices completely and listening to soft music or reading a book. Another calming activity is to take a warm bath at night before bed in order to get a good night’s rest.
Mind Your Caffeine Intake
Caffeine is found in food and beverages such as coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine is a stimulant that helps people stay alert throughout the day; once caffeine is in our bloodstream, it will take about four to six hours before the effects wear off. Thus, experts recommend avoiding caffeine before going to bed, as it can ruin your sleep cycle.
Watch Your Diet
Sleeping problems such as sleep apnea can be linked to your diet. Sleep apnea is a disorder where your breathing is frequently interrupted while you sleep. This problem can increase your risk of heart attack, Type 2 Diabetes, liver problems, and other health concerns. Eat more fruits and vegetables in your daily meals, and incorporate exercise you enjoy – these will work together to help you get a restful sleep.
Follow a Holistic Approach
Consult with a sleep specialist who follows a holistic approach to sleep, as this approach considers the overall condition of a person. This specialist will help you restore optimum health by correcting imbalances in your habits and lifestyle choices. Through integrative sleep medicine, sleep specialists can determine more precisely how to manage your sleeping problems.
Sleep Doctors in North Texas
If you cannot sleep properly every night, seek a sleep specialist for an evaluation and treatment that works for you. Our medical team at the Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas take an integrative approach to internal medicine, pulmonary care, and sleep medicine.
To schedule an appointment, call us today at (817) 594-9993. You may also fill out our appointment request form online for your convenience. We look forward to helping you get a good night’s rest!
