We've all been there...exhausted in the morning, but then come night time, there seems to be too much to do to go to bed at a reasonable hour! With the ever-growing to-do list, social obligations, and work responsibilities, sleep sometimes gets the short end of the stick. Here are a few suggestions to help ensure you are getting the sleep you need to stay energized and healthy.
MODIFY YOUR BEFORE BED DIET RITUAL
You've probably heard before that eating late at night is bad for your metabolism, and some suggest it's also bad for your sleep. However, if sleep is eluding you, a warm cup of chamomile tea can help relax you. If tea isn't for you, warm milk is a natural sleep enhancer and snacks like seeds, nuts, or bananas may help as well. They contain tryptophan (just like turkey!) and magnesium, which help induce sleep.
TRY NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS
If you go to your local drugstore, you will see countless over-the-counter sleep aids with awful side effects. Give natural supplements like Magnesium, valerian root, and GABA a try to help induce sleep.
CHANGE YOUR GET READY FOR BED ROUTINE
If you're parent, you've probably got your kids bedtime routine down to a science. What you probably didn't realize is that adults benefit from a bedtime routine just as much as kids do! What you do before going to sleep actually affects how well you sleep. The most important thing is to stay off your smartphone before bed. The light from the screen along with the distractions on the phone itself will keep you awake longer than necessary. The same goes for your tablet or the TV! It is thought that the stimulation from the artificial light make it more difficult for your brain to shut down.
TRY CHIROPRACTIC CARE
We encourage regular chiropractic visits, but if you're struggling to sleep, schedule an appointment ASAP. Chiropractic reduces nerve interference allowing your body to function better, and your sleep may improve as a result.
When you experience regular, restorative sleep, you'll benefit from increased energy levels to tackle the many to-dos in your everyday life!