I really value my sleep. If I don't get enough shuteye, it messes with my day. I have trouble concentrating, and it affects my mood. I'm not alone. Our culture is slowly waking up (no pun intended) to the reality that sleep deprivation has a negative impact on our overall physical and mental health. Here are e few tips on getting a better night's sleep.

#1: Turn your thermostat down before retiring. Research indicates we sleep best when the bedroom temperature is in the mid 60s.

#2 Like your bed. You should  have a comfy, cozy, "cocoon," comfortable mattress, pillows, sheets, and blankets that you like.

#3 Reconsider that glass of wine. Alcohol may help you drop off, but you won't get the quality REM sleep that's most restorative. When I consume alcohol, I seem to need an additional 1-1/2 to 2 hours of ''sack time" to get the same rest as otherwise.

#4 Eliminate "blue light." Put away your smartphone. Turn the computer & TV off. They emit blue light, which inhibits the production of the sleep inducing hormone melatonin.

 

 

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