4 Common Mistakes Keeping You
from a Good Night's Sleep
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
Article by Mayo Clinic Staff
Your Heart Health
(BPT) - Do you wake up in the morning feeling tired, even if you went to bed early? Do you struggle to feel well rested? Is it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep all night? You're not alone. Healthy adults generally need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night, although sleep quality is just as important as sleep quantity. If your sleep is frequently interrupted, you're not getting quality sleep. This can have a tremendous effect on your mental and physical health. To get a good night's rest, there are many things that often get overlooked. Mayo Clinic health experts weigh in on four of the most common mistakes that keep people from a good night's rest.
"Common lifestyle mistakes .... eating heavy meals before bed or drinking coffee too late ...."
1. Ignoring sleep hygiene
Sleep hygiene refers to your sleep lifestyle and the choices you make that either facilitate or restrict quality rest. Common lifestyle mistakes that often inhibit sleep include eating heavy meals before bed or drinking caffeine too late in the day. Additionally, establishing a sleep routine is essential for telling your mind and body it's time to rest. This includes going to bed at the same time each night and minimizing exposure to light at bedtime, especially the glow coming off your favorite technology. Turn off media 30 minutes to an hour before bed so you can wind down and settle in.
2. Causes of insomnia
Insomnia is defined as having