The coming New Year gives rise to a host of new resolutions. Losing weight, getting a salary raise, finding the perfect match, and the list goes on. But getting better sleep? This one is fairly uncommon, but very essential. Sleep is vital in having overall good health. In fact, sleeping disorders can trigger some of the most life-threatening diseases such as hypertension and heart problems. As important as sleep is, most Americans report that they rarely get a good night’s sleep, and most have some sort of sleeping problem they have not yet addressed.
How can we get better sleep for 2013? One way is to limit your use of gadgets during bedtime. According to the National Sleep Foundation, 95 percent of Americans use some sort of gadget an hour before bedtime. Laptops, smart phones and even TV can disrupt your body’s natural preparation for sleep and cause alertness. Some people cannot resist the urge to check the email that might be waiting to be opened, or that new comment on Facebook. What’s worse, some people even sleep next to their cell phones! A good way to combat this bad habit is to set a “curfew” and turn off all electronic gadgets at least an hour before bedtime. Put your cellphone on your desk where it belongs, and be sure to mute it if you cannot turn it off. Try reading a good book, meditate, or even write on a personal journal—anything that won’t be disruptive to your sleeping patterns.
Another good way to sleep better is to avoid what is known as “social jetlag” in which your sleeping hours during the weekdays are different from those on the weekends. People tend to sleep late on Saturday nights and sleep till noon the next day to make up for lost hours of sleep. Researchers have linked social jetlag to diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Combat this unhealthy habit by setting a routine sleep schedule for everyday, 7 days a week.
Having healthier eating habits is also a great way to welcome the New Year. Not only will you be sleeping better, you’ll also be losing weight! Research shows that eating fatty foods close to bedtime can cause acid reflux and indigestion which can disrupt sleep. Staying clear of caffeine a few hours before bedtime also ensures better sleep. And we’re not just talking about coffee! This also includes sodas and soft drinks which can wreak havoc on your diet.
Most New Year’s resolutions tend to fail, but making a conscious effort for overall health and wellness is key to achieving success. Let’s make a commitment for better sleep this 2013!
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