And now for a little me time
MONTHLY CHALLENGE
Clean up your sleep
by Lorna Gordon
Did you know that poor sleep, or not enough of it, can increase your risk of developing obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and even depression? Sleep isn’ t just about feeling rested; it’ s a huge part of your overall health and wellbeing. So this month, I’ m setting a challenge for both you and me: it’ s time to clean up our sleep routines!
The first and simplest step? Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Consistency trains your internal body clock and makes it easier to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed. Those weekend sleep-ins might feel luxurious, but they can disrupt your rhythm and leave you dragging through your Monday.
Your daytime habits are also important. Try to soak up plenty of natural daylight, especially in the morning. Natural light helps regulate your body’ s sleep-wake cycle and boosts your mood too. Adding some exercise to your daily routine can further improve your sleep, even if it’ s just a brisk walk or some light stretching. When evening rolls around, it’ s time to prepare your mind and body for rest. Start by reducing your exposure to blue light from phones, tablets, and TVs, as this artificial glow can interfere with your body’ s ability to wind down. Swap your late afternoon coffee for a decaf version, think about dropping your evening tipple if you have one, alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle even if it helps you drift off initially.
The environment you sleep in matters just as much. Is your bedroom quiet, cool, and comfortable? Does your mattress still support you properly, or has your pillow seen better days? Investing in a cozy, relaxing space can make all the difference.
Lastly, watch your eating and drinking habits. Avoid heavy meals and too much fluid late at night, as both can interfere with your sleep. And if you still struggle, it might be time to check in with your doctor for potential sleep disorders or other issues which are cuaing a disruption to your sleep.
A healthy sleep routine is one of the best gifts you can give yourself— and it starts with small, mindful changes. So, let’ s rise to the challenge: better sleep, better health, and a better you!
A good nights sleep is one of nature’ s best medicines.
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