Problems Sleeping? Would you change a Bad Habit to Sleep Better?

Are you willing to abolish some bad habits – to get good sleep?

Too many of us, due to our fast paced life develop habits that end up affecting our overall health because, the things we introduce to our bodies tamper with our internal mechanisms unbalancing our body’s natural rhythm. These habits weaken our body’s natural ability to trigger sleep and waking, control hunger and satiety, affect our concentration and memory, our moods and contribute to an emotional life of ever heightening stress and tension. We also compromise our immune system which can lead to frequent colds, a feeling of being run down and an inability to muster up the energy to exercise regularly.

So we “schlep” ourselves from work to home, make excuses why we skipped the gym again and find ourselves on edge all the time especially with our children and spouses. So what changes should we make in order to get a good night’s sleep – which is at the root of all these other issues? Are you willing to change 3 habits to improve your life? First, don’t drink caffeinated beverages after lunch – none. Caffeine is a stimulant and a diuretic and takes up to 6 hours to leave the system. It makes us feel alert because it blocks sleep inducing chemicals in the brain and increases adrenalin production. So in the morning it’s OK but after lunch switch to water, juice or herbal teas and let your body start preparing for sleep so that when you lie down sleep is triggered and you have a good 7-8 hours of sleep.

Another good tip is not to eat or drink alcohol 2-3 hours before bedtime. Have chamomile tea instead. Alcohol is not a sedative as many people believe – it is actually a stimulant and will disrupt your sleep later at night. Alcohol can prevent you from reaching that all important REM part of sleep where dreaming occurs and where the deepest and most restful part of sleep occurs. Alcohol keeps you in the lighter stages of sleep. And finally do yourself the biggest health favor of all and quit smoking.

If you are not going to think about potential health problems, like cancer and heart disease, off in the future – focus on tonight. Nicotine is a stimulant and you actually go through withdrawal every night which is why, if you are addicted to tobacco, it will aggravate your sleep problems and it has been known to contribute to nightmares and snoring. Sleeping well, eating right and exercising are the three most important things you can do to ensure your good health so, if you have a habit that is working against you – muster up the will power to tame it and you will soon find that you don’t miss it all – because you feel so well.

Tova Greenberg is President of The Sleep Genie. For more information check out: http://www.TheSleepGenie.com