Sleep is an extremely important
part of a persons overall health and wellness, yet so few
of us get enough. It is estimated that almost 60% of adults
battle sleep problems with some regularity. The majority
of sleep disorders go undiagnosed and untreated. What can
you do to insure that you get a better night of sleep?4. Keep a regular sleep schedule. Don’t sleep late some days and get up early others if you can avoid it. Keeping a regular schedule will help teach your body to become sleepy at the same time each evening.
5. Relax with yoga before bed. Studies have shown yoga to be effective against insomnia because of its relaxing effect on both the mind and body.
6. Don’t drink alcohol before bed. Although alcohol may help you initially doze off, the late night beer and wine can interrupt your normal sleep patterns and cause you to feel unrefreshed in the morning.
7. Snack on tryptophan-containing foods before bed (my favorite method). Tryptophan is an amino acid the body uses to make serotonin, a substance that helps you relax. Foods high in tryptophan include turkey, milk, cheese, tofu, soybeans, tuna, oatmeal, hazelnuts and peanut butter.
Give these tips a try and see if your sleep improves. If you still have problems after a week or so it is best to see your doctor. There are over 70 types of sleep disorders and your doctor can help define your particular sleep disturbance and get you back on track to a healthy nights slumber.
