A Good Night's Sleep

By Randi Hall

Have you ever experienced difficulty sleeping at night? Have you ever felt like you aren’t getting enough sleep? Getting enough sleep is a growing problem in America. About 40 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep disorders, while about 20 million suffer from occasional sleeping problems (Sleeping Disorder). However, there are many easy steps you can take to improve your sleep.

Kim Foster, a nurse from Marietta Ga., gave a few websites that offer many tips on how to sleep better. “There are so many different tips out there for getting a better night’s sleep, but the most important are maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and having a sleep schedule,” says Foster. A website that may be helpful is http://www.mercola.com/article/sleep.htm.

How you sleep is affected by the activities you do throughout the day. The first tip for getting a good nights sleep is to develop a sleeping schedule. Foster says this is probably the most important tip for getting a good night’s sleep. In other words go to bed and get up at the same time everyday. Yes, weekends also. “ If your sleeping pattern is consistent, your body will get used to it and it will be easier for you to fall asleep and wake up the next morning” says Foster.

What you do when you first wake up can affect how you sleep at night. Try to start your morning off with a cup of tea or coffee. After this get some light exercise in. Exercising regularly will greatly help you to get a better nights sleep. Foster agrees saying, “ Exercising regularly will definitely help you to get a better night’s sleep.” However, try not to exercise later in the day. You should avoid exercise four to six hours before you go to bed (Nordenburg ).

Napping throughout the day may also make it harder for you to sleep at night. Experts say that you should avoid napping in the late afternoon. Also, if it is absolutely necessary to take a nap, that it should be no longer than thirty minutes (Nordenburg).

Bedtime is quickly approaching. Try to relax and unwind. Taking a warm bath or drinking herbal tea may help. If you are hungry, eat something. Make sure you are eating healthy. “A well balanced diet will also enhance your sleep” says Foster. Do not go to bed hungry. Make sure that you do not eat foods that will cause gas. And make sure to avoid caffeinated drinks.

Finally, it is bedtime. The time you have decided to go to sleep every night. Remember, having a consistent sleeping pattern is necessary. Make sure your room is comfortable. Cool, quiet, dark places are usually the best places to fall asleep. Soothing music or the sound of a fan may help put you to sleep. You should try to get at least seven hours of sleep.

Following these tips should help you to get a better nights sleep. Try it out. If this doesn’t help, see your doctor. You may have a chronic sleeping disorder that needs treatment.