BANZA February 2016 Issue | Page 87

BANZA |Health So what can you do to make sure that you take care of yourself? Set regular bed times and treat them as strictly as you would your waking times. Keeping this constant, and trying not to deviate too far from it will cause your circadian rhythm (your bodies innate sleep and wake cues) to strengthen and you will find it easier to fall asleep. Blue lights (like those produced from your cell phone or computer) suppress the release of melatonin in your brain which makes it harder for you to fall asleep. Staying away from technology and instead, doing things that calm you, such as reflection, reading a book, or meditation in the hour before bed will prepare your body to fall asleep.