More than 60% of women regularly fall short of sleep that can lead to a range of health problems including the risk of developing heart disease or diabetes. Think of getting enough sleep — at least seven hours a night for optimum health and function. But how? Let’s try: […common for all slides]
[Slide 1] Create a sleep sanctuary
Reserve your bedroom for sleep and intimacy. Keep it on the cool side. Banish the television, computer, cellphone or digital organizer, and other diversions from that space.
[Slide 2] Nap only if necessary
Napping an hour or two at the peak of sleepiness in the afternoon can help to supplement hours missed at night. But naps can also interfere with your ability to sleep at night and throw your sleep schedule into disarray.
[Slide 3] Avoid caffeine after noon
Caffeine can stay in your body for up to 12 hours. Alcohol can act as a sedative, but it also disturbs sleep.
[Slide 4] Get regular exercise
But no exercise within three hours of bedtime. Exercise acts as a short-term stimulant.
[Slide 5] Address a long-term debt
If you’ve skimped on sleep for decades, it could take a while to recoup your losses. Plan a vacation with a light schedule and few obligations — not a whirlwind tour. Then, turn off the alarm clock and just sleep every night until you awaken naturally.
[Slide 6] Avoid backsliding into a new debt cycle
Try to go to bed and get up at the same time every day — at the very least on weekdays. If need be, use weekends to make up for lost sleep.
Source: HEALTHbeat; Harvard Medical School
Courtesy: Health Prior 21

