While exercise and a healthy diet are vital for maintaining good health, many of us underestimate the significance of sleep. Lack of sleep can disturb hormones that control weight, impair mood, and interfere with focus.
Clinical director of Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Division of Sleep and Circadian Rhythm Disorders Stuart F. Quan, MD, notes that lack of sleep may also raise the risk for diabetes, atherosclerosis, and certain types of cancer. For instance, there is a connection between heart health and sleep in kids and teens. Inadequate sleep raises the chance of cardiovascular disease and other health issues later in life. Get more restful sleep and wake up feeling rejuvenated.
How can you get better sleep?
Dr. Quan cares for patients with sleep disorders, including insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and narcolepsy. Here are his tips for better sleep:
- Make a commitment to sleep better.
Developing healthy sleeping habits starts with commitment. Tell a friend or loved one that you are making sleep a priority. Telling others keeps you accountable and make you more likely to stick with your goal.
- Establish a bedtime routine.
Establishing regular sleep habits can be just as important as how long you sleep. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
“In terms of how long you should sleep, there’s variability from person to person, but the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommend that you get at least 7 hours of sleep a night,” says Dr. Quan.
- Create a sleep-friendly environment.
Your room should be completely dark while sleeping. Position your bed away from windows and try blackout curtains, or use an eye mask, if the sun wakes you up early in the morning.
“Make sure your sleeping environment is quiet. If you live in an urban area or have noisy neighbors, use a white noise machine, which can counteract ambient sounds,” says Dr. Quan.
Turn off your cell phone before bed, or activate the ‘do not disturb’ setting. In general, try not to use electronics in bed.
- Keep your bedroom cool.
Aim to keep your bedroom between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Find the temperature that’s right for you.
- Exercise regularly.
Most studies show that regular exercise three-to-four times a week helps improve sleep. It’s usually best to exercise in the morning or afternoon. If you exercise at night, try not to exercise within 2 hours of bedtime, as the adrenaline boost from your workout may disrupt your sleep.
- Avoid heavy meals before bedtime.
Avoid eating a heavy meal before bed. This includes foods high in carbohydrates, which may lead to heartburn or bloating. Both of these can cause discomfort and disrupt sleep.
- Get morning light exposure.
Exposing yourself to sunlight each morning will help keep you alert throughout the day. It will also help keep your sleep schedule regular, says Dr. Quan.
In the winter, try sitting in front of a light therapy box for 30 minutes, which can also help manage seasonal depression. In the summer, go for a walk in the morning. Leave your sunglasses in your pocket to expose your eyes to the light.
- Limit nicotine and caffeine.
The nicotine in cigarettes increases heart rate and brain activity and can disrupt your sleep. If you are having trouble quitting, you may want to try a smoking cessation program. “Caffeine is a stimulant and stays active in the body for roughly 6 hours. If you drink coffee at 5 p.m., it’s still having an effect at 10 p.m. when you go to bed. If you’re sensitive to caffeine, stop drinking coffee or soda around lunchtime,” says Dr. Quan.
- Prepare for time changes in advance.
When the clocks change in the spring or fall, try to adjust your sleep schedule ahead of time. For a few nights ahead of the time change, try adjusting your bedtime and wake time earlier or later, depending on the season.