One-third — that’s approximately how much of your life you’ll spend sleeping . . . or trying to sleep. It may seem like a lot of time to spend in the land of Nod, but sleep affects every aspect of life — your ability to think, to learn, to fight off disease and to maintain a positive mood are just a few of the areas that sleep impacts. But did you know that sleep — or lack of — can also have an impact on your weight?
Try these tips to help you get to sleep . . . and stay asleep:
Start with a routine sleeping pattern. One of the best ways to train your body to sleep well is to go to bed and get up at about the same time every day, even on weekends and days off from work.
Close down the “to do” list. Before bed, take a moment to jot down your “unfinished business” and even some strategies to get things done the next day. This will allow your mind to let it go, knowing it will still be on your radar when you wake up in the morning.
Avoid caffeine and nicotine before bed. They are stimulants for many people and can interfere with the ability to fall asleep. Try stopping these at least six hours before bed.
Avoid alcohol. While alcohol can help you to fall asleep, it can also interrupt your sleep success throughout the night, so it is best to avoid it right before bed. Unfortunately, that means no more “night caps,” but your body will better for it.
If, after trying the tips above, you continue to have problems with your sleep, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options, or click here to learn more about MultiCare Sleep Medicine.
Below are links to a few additional resources that you might find useful as well:
Ted Talk: Sleep is Your Super Power
Ted Talk: Why Sleep Matters Now More than Ever
Sleep Foundation
