Sleep – Are you getting enough?
So, we all know that sleep is important to our health and well-being– in fact it is 3rd in the list of the 4 pillars of good health next to nutrition and exercise.
Statistics currently indicate that four out of 10 Australians regularly have insufficient sleep impacting greatly on our nations health.
Clearly, this leaves all to many of us knowing all too well how that lack of sleep affects our daily lives. Mood swings, low energy levels, poor concentration, memory lapses, weight control, chronic disease issues and fatigue that contributes to more road accidents than alcohol and drug use combined!
With the recommended daily requirement recently being reviewed, research now indicates that most adults need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
Now if that leaves you up all night worrying about how you’re going to fulfill your recommended daily dose of sleep take a moment to work through the ten tips below to help you on your way to a good night sleep.
- Have a regular bedtime routine, reducing technology devices an hour before bed
- Spend the right amount of time in bed – don’t lie in bed watching the clock
- Bed is for sleeping, not entertainment – remove distracting things from the bedroom
- Wind down and relax at the end of the day – try a soothing massage, essential oils, warm baths
- Make sure your bedroom is comfortable – not too hot, too cold or too light
- Alcohol, caffeine and cigarettes – avoid at all costs
- Avoid daytime naps
- Get some sunlight and exercise during the day
- Avoid going to bed on a full or empty stomach
- Where causes of inadequate sleep are many and varied, so too are treatments and management practices. Seek professional help from your health professional
REF: https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au
Melissa Speare – Remedial Massage Therapist