Critical Zzzzzzs

Studies show that the majority of adults in America are not getting enough sleep. So what? You may ask. Why is sleep so important? It’s no secret that we perform better in every area of our lives when we are well rested, and, frankly, we enjoy life much more when we’re running on a full tank of gas, so to speak. But the need for shuteye goes beyond the obvious. New studies have linked sleep deprivation with the tendency to be overweight. People who get enough sleep also live longer and suffer fewer diseases than their sleepy counterparts and enjoy a greater depth of creativity during their waking hours. Before you go stumbling for the Unisom, consider a few ideas that may help you get the sleep you need naturally.

Hello Darkness, my old Friend…

Why do bears hibernate in caves? Because they’re dark. Light can keep your brain from producing melatonin, a chemical that helps you fall and stay asleep. For some people, it only takes a tiny amount of light to keep them awake. The solution? Rid your bedroom of all sources of light, now matter how insignificant they may seem. This may mean buying special blackout curtains for your windows, removing your alarm clock from your room or at least laying it on its face so no light is projected from it, even putting electrical tape over lights on VCRs, DVD players, and other electrical equipment. Anything that emits light can disrupt a good night’s sleep. A simpler solution may be buying an eye mask to wear while you sleep, although some people find these uncomfortable. Whatever your preference, make sure you’re immersed in darkness before you try to sleep.

A Safe Haven for Sleep

For the best night’s sleep, experts recommend that you use your bedroom primarily for sleeping. Don’t bring work into the bedroom, and leave your day planner at the door. Anything that reminds you of your busy day can occupy precious time and space in your brain and keep you from falling asleep. For some folks, even the presence of a television in the bedroom is enough to keep them counting sheep. Look around your bedroom: is it a restful place? Does it invite you to sleep or just remind you of all the things you need to do tomorrow? Make your bedroom a sanctuary of sleep by cutting down on clutter and filling the room instead with colors, textures, and objects that you find soothing. Convince your mind that your bedroom is for sleeping, and your body will soon follow.