The quality and quantity of our sleep is directly connected to our emotional and physical health. Getting enough sleep helps reduce stress, improve memory, and allows your body to produce more protein to heal from injuries or exposure to chemicals. Insufficient sleep is linked to high blood pressure, risk of heart disease, diabetes, and increased cholesterol levels. To be healthy, aim for 7 – 8 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is just as important to your health as dieting and exercise!
5 Tips For Good Sleep Hygiene:
- Turn off all electronic devices at least 1 hourbefore you go to bed and remove them from your bedroom if possible.
- Keep your bedroom cool. Ideally the room will be around 67 degrees while you sleep.
- Avoid caffeine in the evening. Try to avoid caffeine for a minimum of 6 hours prior to bedtime.
- Keep a regular sleep routine, including a consistent time you wake up, even on the weekends.
- Avoid eating large and/or spicy meals before you go to bed. While you shouldn’t go to bed hungry, keep late meals on the lighter side.