One of our priorities as parents is to make sure our children are getting enough sleep. Trying to keep a decent bed time for them each night nights is a MUST. As parents, we see the importance of sleep for our children. Why are we not trying to keep those “rules” for ourselves?
We know that if the kids get enough sleep, they wake up happier and function throughout the day better. We should be adopting this concept for ourselves. Why would we not want those things for us?
Getting enough sleep can be a challenge. Your days can run together, and it can make those hard days even harder. Getting enough sleep at night can not only help you feel better mentally and physically, but it also helps you feel less stressed. Yes, please!
Here are a few tips from “The Sleep Council” to ensure that you have a good night’s rest.
#1 Sticking to a schedule. Waking up and going to bed at the same time can be beneficial. Our bodies work so much better when it’s used to a routine.
# 2 Exercise. Cool side note: when you work out before bed, it can help your body prepare for sleep!
#3 Limit Caffeine and or Alcohol. Caffeine is a no brainer. Cutting it off after lunch and sticking to water can help you stay awake. Alcohol can dehydrate you and prevent you from going into a deep sleep, causing you to feel groggy and restless in the morning.
#4. Put down your tablet or phone. The Sleep Council says “Artificial light later at night can suppress melatonin, the hormone you NEED to feel sleepy.” If you get into reading something or talking with someone on your phone you can only delay trying to get your body to relax.
According to Healthline.com, causes of poor sleep can be obesity, increase risk of a heart attack or stroke, increased inflammation, and depression. These symptoms alone show us how important it to give our bodies rest.
We are busy people! Whether you are a parent, or a student, or child, it should be a priority to all of us. Taking the steps to ensure better sleep can make you feel better in the long run.
Take care of yourself! Go to bed!
Susan Ingram, OWL Blogger
