Did you know 40-60% of the general population has trouble sleeping? Whether its work or family stressors, an irregular schedule, chronic pain, or an uncomfortable sleeping environment, we are all well aware that we do not function at our best when we are not getting the quality and quantity of sleep we need.

Sleep is fundamental to good health and performance, not only for your body, but also your brain. Many Americans now turn to sleeping pills, but sleeping pills are sometimes addictive and can have side effects (like poor sleep quality and/or next-day grogginess).

Tips to improve sleep naturally:

• Exercise regularly (preferably not too close to bed time)
• Limit caffeine (especially later in the day). Coffee has great health benefits, but many of us are susceptible to disrupted sleep if we have caffeine anytime after lunch.
• Eat dinner earlier (at least a few hours before bed) so digestion doesn’t interfere with your sleep.
• Get on a regular schedule, so you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. A regular schedule the whole week will keep you more rested than attempting “catch-up” on the weekends.
• Keep your bedroom both cool, and as dark as possible nearing bedtime and until you wake up.

For some of you, the above advice is something you’ve heard a million times before, but you sacrifice sleep a little here, and a little there, perhaps when you are prioritizing work or family. Try to make sleep a higher priority – you will likely find it helps you be the parent, partner, and employee you want to be. A rested you is a healthier, more productive you who is probably a lot more fun to be around!

Stay tuned next week for Sleep Series, Part Two: Choosing a Mattress.

Absolute Wellness Center in Eugene, OR offers sports medicine, chiropractic medicine, physical therapy and rehabilitation, acupuncture, and massage. If pain or injury is decreasing your quality of sleep, give us a call at 541-484-5777.

Source: The American Chiropractic Association’s guide Healthy Living – Sleep