3 THINGS TO AVOID when trying to Improve your Sleep

These surprising before-bed habits may be keeping you from getting the good night's sleep you've been craving.

• Going to bed feeling stressed, angry, upset, or nervous. When a person is feeling this way, the cortisol levels in the brain are very high. Cortisol indicates it is time to solve problems, make decisions, or in a plain way is time to keep yourself alive. This means high heart rate and very fast brain waves. Melatonin is only going to be produced when your brain feels safe and comfortable. That is why we recommend creating the perfect sleeping place, and your brain ready for sleep

• Using caffeine or alcohol within 12 hours of going to bed or after going to bed. Caffeine inhibits adenosine which creates sleeping pressure and can keep you awake. Do not use either one within 12 hours of going to bed. Alcohol may help you fall asleep, but the quality of your sleep is going to be poor

• Going to bed at different times. Go to bed at the same time each night within one hour. Having irregular bedtimes can alter your body’s natural sleep cycle (circadian rhythm) and affect your ability to fall asleep and shortening the amount of sleep you get

Some of these tips will be easier to include in your daily and nightly routine than others. However, if you stick with them, your chances of achieving restful sleep will improve.