Monday, December 15, 2014

Simple Steps for Sensational Sleep

Simple Steps for Sensational Sleep 

It can be difficult for some of us to get a good night’s rest. Prolonged poor quality sleep is definitely detrimental to health and wellness.  Here are some simple ways for you and me to wind down at night. The goal is to help us feel alert and enjoy the next day. 

1)    Cut out the caffeine – Coffee might give you the afternoon jolt you need to finish out the day, but the effects of the caffeine can linger long into nighttime. Try caffeine-free beverages, such as herbal tea or ice cold water, to decrease caffeine consumption.

2)    Make to-do lists – Use a to-do list every evening before leaving the office. This allows you to get your thoughts out at the end of the work day, preventing those pesky thoughts from lingering in your brain at night as you lie in bed.

3)    End on a positive note – Do you like to go home feeling FREE? Do end your day with a light task which leaves you feeling lighthearted and happy. It could be something as simple as organizing you desk before leaving for the night, or clearing out voicemail to make the next morning a little less stressful.

4)    Increase exposure to daylight – High levels of melatonin in a person’s body enhances their ability to sleep. A natural method to gain more melatonin is to maximize the amount of daylight that is received. If the desks in your office are not near an open window, do take breaks outdoors, even if only a 5 minute walk in the sunshine, to enhance everyone’s ability to sleep at night.