The importance of sleep cannot be overemphasized. That is why over the past two decades, the National Sleep Foundation has been promoting Sleep Awareness Week around the second week of March, with the goal of shining a spotlight on the importance of establishing healthy sleep routines. Here at the Lung & Sleep Specialists of North Texas, our team—led by award-winning sleep expert, Dr. Olusegun Oseni—takes pride in our commitment that goes beyond providing outstanding medical care. As strong proponents of proactive health care, we take great satisfaction in sharing useful information to empower people to make the best health choices. As such, here are some tips from our team on how to foster wholesome sleep hygiene, so you can enjoy your trip to slumberland throughout the night.
Tip #1 Consistency Is Key.
As with anything else in life, consistency is key to improving sleep quality. Hitting the sack and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends, can greatly improve your circadian rhythm (internal body clock) and optimize your body’s healing process.
To achieve consistency, establish a routine that encourages winding down. These can include taking a hot shower, brushing your teeth, dimming the lights, and then reading for a while or listening to some calming music. Doing these every night reprograms your mind to recognize these activities as a precursor to sleep.
Tip #2 Keep a Sleep Journal.
Keeping a sleep journal helps you calculate your total sleep time as well as identify certain factors that can affect the quality of your sleep. A sleep journal is a subjective tool that can be especially useful if you’re already dealing with insomnia, snoring, or any other sleep issues.
Tip #3 Avoid Taking Your Work to Bed.
Even though it can sometimes be tempting to stretch your day, working right up to bedtime can only lead to stress, which is as detrimental to your sleep quality as it is to your productivity the next day.
Tip #4 Shun the Blue Light.
Turn off your TV, laptop, and other electronic devices that emit blue light. Research shows blue light impacts when and how well you sleep by suppressing your body’s release of melatonin, a hormone responsible for regulating your circadian rhythm.
Tip #5 Avoid Eating and Drinking Before Bedtime.
Going to bed with a full stomach can trigger acid reflux and other digestive problems, which can keep you tossing and turning in bed. Likewise, having caffeinated drinks, such as soda, coffee, or tea, is a no-no for four or more hours prior to retiring for the night.
Your Sleep Experts in Weatherford, TX
At Lung and Sleep Specialists of North Texas, Dr. Olusegun Oseni offers comprehensive sleep study at our ultra-comfortable sleep center and a variety of effective interventions, which include CPAP machine, relaxation techniques, lifestyle recommendations, and medications—all geared toward helping you sleep your way to better health.
To learn more about our services or to arrange a visit with Dr. Oseni, call us at (817) 594-9993. Alternatively, you may use this convenient form to send an appointment request.