Reap The Benefits Of Sleep

Getting enough quality sleep is as vital to good heath and long life as are healthy eating and regular exercise. You need sleep to:

*  Help your immune system fight infections.

*  Help prevent and deal with anxiety and depression.

*  Help prevent and control weight gain, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

*  Have energy, think clearly, and react quickly.

Reap the Benefits of Sleep

*  Plan to wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. When you wake up, get exposure to bright light.

*  Get sunlight every day, especially in the early part of the day.

*  Do regular exercise daily, but not within a few hours of bedtime.

*  Avoid caffeine for six hours before bed. Limit caffeine to 300 milligrams a day.

*  Don’t have more than one alcoholic drink with or after dinner.

*  Dim the lights in the house an hour or two before you go to bed.

*  Write down your worries and fears to clear your mind of them so you can focus on sleep.

*  Follow a bedtime routine. Take a warm bath or read a book.

*  Keep the room cool, dark, and quiet. Or, try using a low rhythmic sound, such as a fan set on low.

*  Sleep on a mattress and pillow that feel right for you.