There
is a great deal of information in the news about the lack of sleep Americans
get. A leading consumer magazine’s cover reports on several issues regarding a
poor night’s rest, and an American news network reports on the why we are not
getting the rest we need. Health Briefs TV reviews tips for a good night’s
sleep.
Anyone
who has trouble falling asleep and staying asleep can attest to how frustrating
it is to be wide awake at 3 AM. The National Center for Health Statistics found that a third of us do not get
the recommended seven hours of shut eye we need to fully function the next day.
Lack of rest can add up to some major health problems such as high blood
pressure, diabetes, obesity, weakened immune systems and may contribute to
dementia.
In
order to get a decent amount of rest at night, the Health Briefs TV show offers
some tips to getting a sound sleep:
- Close the curtains or blinds
to block out any light and lower the room temperature.
- Leave digital devices far from
the bedside.
- Avoid taking sleeping aids
unless prescribed by a doctor. Most really don’t work as advertised and
can cause adverse effects, such as sleep walking.
- Shop for a new pillow and buy
one that supports the main position in which you sleep.
- Go to bed and wake up at the
same time every day, even on weekends. It is very difficult to set a
regular sleep routine when you go to bed and wake at different times on
different days.
- Wear something comfortable to
sleep in.
When
we get a good night’s rest, our brains clear out all the negative from the day
before. Our hearts slow down and rest too. Our blood vessels relax and our
blood sugar goes down. We also can fully function the next day, which includes
no drowsy driving to work. We need seven hours of rest. Get some.
