How is your sleep hygiene?

Sleep hygiene is a word often used in the sleep industry, but what exactly does it mean? Having good sleep hygiene can be described as a set of practices and habits that can help improve the chances of getting a good night’s rest. As many as 44 million adults in the U.S. suffer from sleep issues every day, so it is important to practice healthy sleep hygiene habits. Here are a few tips to begin getting better sleep tonight:

· Avoid caffeine as much as possible. According to Harvard Medical School, coffee and other caffeinated beverages and foods can interfere with your quality of sleep. It’s okay to grab a cup of coffee in the mornings, but avoid caffeine during the four to six hours before bed.

· Don’t nap too often. Napping can be refreshing when you’re running on little to no sleep, but indulging in too many and too often can disturb your natural sleep patterns. Train your body to sleep on a schedule that fits your lifestyle and work demands.

· Get lazy. Exercising and participating in physical activities are great for your health and can contribute to a higher quality of sleep, but not if you’re doing them right before bed. Like with caffeinated products, avoid strenuous activity during the late evening hours.

· Make it a ritual. Before bed, take part in activities that will help your mind and body relax. For some, that means reading a book or indulging in a lavender-scented bath. Find what works best for you and commit to making it happen every night before bed.

· Dim the lights. Not only does dimming the lights set the mood for a relaxing evening, but it helps to encourage the production of melatonin, a sleep-causing hormone, in your brain. Many lightbulbs used in work places and public spaces emit blue light, which suppresses melatonin and causes sleep delay.

To learn more about overcoming sleep issues and to meet with a board-certified sleep specialist, please call our Atlanta office to schedule an appointment. Our FusionSleep team can be reached by phone at (678) 990-3962.