Getting a good night’s sleep allows your body to recharge itself after a long and stressful day. Work responsibilities and family obligations can leave you mentally and emotionally exhausted, while strenuous activity can cause excessive physical fatigue. Individuals may suffer from sleep deprivation due to underlying health conditions, environmental factors or poor nighttime habits. Following a few simple tips can help improve the quality of your sleep.
- Maintain a Regular Sleep Schedule
The human body is programmed to be awake during the day and asleep at night. Long naps in the middle of the afternoon can cause a disruption to your circadian rhythm, thereby making it harder to fall asleep when the body should be at rest. Creating a sleep schedule is a great way to ensure that you obtain adequate sleep by completing full REM cycles. Learning how much sleep your body needs can aid you in determining how to get better sleep Houston TX.
- Eliminate Unhealthy Eating Patterns
Consuming heavy meals late at night can negatively affect your ability to fall asleep. Large portions of carbohydrates or protein can cause significant delays in metabolism leading to indigestion, heartburn and acid reflux. Meanwhile, alcohol, caffeine and sugar can increase the body’s level of adrenaline and stimulate the central nervous system. Drinking warm milk, tea or coconut water can help eliminate tension and induce feelings of relaxation.
- Avoid the Use of Technology
Many individuals watch television, listen to music or scroll through their phones prior to going to bed. Unbeknownst to them, these electronic devices emit blue lights that prevent the body from releasing melatonin. Rather than receiving signals that it is time to sleep, the brain will continue to remain active and alert. If possible, avoid using these devices a couple of hours before going to sleep for the night.
Restful sleep allows the body to function properly. Developing healthy habits can help you achieve your optimal level of sleep.