Every year, the most popular New Year’s resolution is to lose weight. Especially because New Year’s Day comes at the end of six weeks of holiday celebrations filled with candy, turkey, stuffing, alcohol and a million other festive-yet-fattening delights. At Sit ‘n Sleep, we understand that getting a good night’s sleep can help you lose weight. In addition, a good night’s sleep can help your job performance, mental well-being, self confidence and keep you feeling re-charged and refreshed every day of the week. So, if you’re really looking to make 2011 a year like no other – we recommend you make the New Year’s resolution to improve your sleep health! Plus, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like sleeping?
Here are 10 ways to make your New Year’s resolution work for you!
1.Keep a consistent sleep schedule - By simply waking up and going to bed at around the same time every night (even weekends!) your body will develop a natural cycle which will help you fall asleep at the right time each night.
2.Stop snoozing - We know, this one seems hard. But, by waking up right when your alarm goes off you’ll feel more refreshed each morning. The most replenishing sleep cycles come towards the end of your sleep; by snoozing, you’re disturbing your most beneficial sleep – 10 minutes at a time.
3.Avoid alcohol - It’s a popular misconception that alcohol is good for sleep. Yes, it will help you fall asleep faster, but alcohol prevents your body from entering in the most restorative sleep cycles.
4.Stop smoking - Of course, everyone knows how awful smoking is for your health. But, did you know it can negatively affect your sleep as well? Habitual smokers go through nicotine withdrawal in their sleep which causes imperceptible sleep disturbances.
5.Turn off the TV - It’s a common practice for many to fall asleep watching TV even though the residual noise and light in the background can disturb your sleep. Plus, TV can arouse you emotionally, making it more difficult to fall asleep.
6.Keep your room dark - Your body is very sensitive to light. Whether it’s a neon sign glowing outside of the window or a nightlight, any semblance of light can disturb your sleep.
7.Shower earlier - Baths and showers are relaxing, right? Well, yes they are, but they also raise your body temperature which prevents your body from releasing the proper chemicals necessary for you to fall asleep when it’s bed time. Take your bath or shower at least two hours before you fall asleep to ensure your body is the correct temperature at bed time.
8.Drink less caffeine - As you know, caffeine is great at keeping us awake. And although most people don’t drink coffee at night, they may have a cup of tea or a soft drink. Limit your caffeine consumption to before 3 pm to ensure you get the best night’s rest possible.
9.Buy a new mattress - As we always say, “If it’s over eight, it’s time to be replaced.” A mattress that’s over eight years old no longer has the support necessary to keep proper postural alignment. Older beds also are infested with millions of allergy-inducing dust mites.
10.Write it down - It’s handy to keep a pen and paper next to your bed. If something is nagging you or you get a great creative idea, write it down. That’ll free your mind from worry so you can get to the business at hand – falling asleep!
