6 Surprising Tips for Better Sleep
Are you tired of feeling tired?
Between our jobs, families and other commitments, we don’t always prioritize sleep. And even when we try, we might find ourselves lying awake in bed, unable to doze off.
Why does this happen, and what can we do about it?
If you want to get better rest and improve your overall health and well-being, take a look at these six lesser-known sleep tips.
1. Cool your room to 65–68 degrees. This temperature range is ideal for helping you get to sleep.
2. Create a sleep routine. Winding down by dimming the lights and avoiding screens for 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime will help your body’s natural sleep processes start to kick in.
3. Avoid excessive time in bed. If you’re in bed but not sleeping, your brain may associate your bed with wakefulness — the opposite of what you want.
4. Don’t assume you need less sleep with age. Sleeping gets harder for the brain as we age, but older adults need just as much sleep as younger adults: about eight hours, plus up to 30 extra minutes in bed to fall asleep.
5. Try cognitive behavioral therapy instead of sleeping pills. Because pills merely sedate you, they aren’t a substitute for natural sleep. Learning therapeutic techniques can provide lasting sleep improvements that improve your health.
6. Ask your doctor if you could have a sleep disorder. A prescribed at-home sleep study, which health insurance will often cover, can detect potentially serious issues such as sleep apnea.
Consistently getting a good night’s sleep is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental health.
Understanding (and taking advantage of) your coverage is also important. Do you have any questions we can help with? Reach out today.