Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Getting Your Zzzzz's

Getting enough sleep is crucial to good health.  When we sleep our bodies have time to recover, our cells replenish, and new tissue is created and growth hormones are released.  These things can only happen when we sleep, so if we aren't getting enogh, our bodies are missing out!  Plus, not getting enough sleep causes our bodies to release cortisol and cortisol contributes to weight gain. Yikes!! So, sleep is important... but you already knew that!  How can you get more or better sleep then?
  • Turn off your electronics at least 30 minutes (ideally up to 1 hour) before you are ready to go to bed. Our electronics emit a short wavelength blue light that interferes with the production of melatonin and melatonin is essential for a good night's sleep.
  • Create a bedtime ritual.  Doing the same thing every night before bed can give our body cues that it is time to go to sleep.
  • Try journaling.  Write down your worries or everything that you want to remember for the morning, and then tuck your journal away until tomorrow when you can deal with those worries or start working on your to-do list.
  • Read positive affirmations or meditate.  This allows the last thing you experience to be positive and helps to shut out negative thoughts that might keep you tossing and turning throughout the night.
Sweet Dreams Everyone!

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