Sleep hygiene refers to the recommended practices and habits that help promote high-quality nighttime sleep. Good sleep hygiene is vital for both physical and mental health.
Getting enough high-quality sleep each night can enhance cognitive function, improve mood, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation. In contrast, poor sleep hygiene and inadequate sleep have been linked to issues like weight gain, hypertension, diabetes, and even early mortality.
Some key components of good sleep hygiene include:
If you still struggle with poor sleep despite good sleep hygiene, consider getting your hormones checked. Imbalances in hormones like cortisol, melatonin and testosterone due to stress or aging can disrupt sleep-wake cycles. The experts at Revive Hormone Specialists specialize in customized bioidentical hormone therapy to help patients restore healthy hormonal balance and reclaim restful sleep.
Some additional questions about sleep:
How much sleep do adults need?
The National Sleep Foundation recommends 7-9 hours per night for adults. However, sleep needs vary between individuals based on factors like age, genetics, medical conditions, etc.
Why is sleep important?
Sleep allows the body to repair tissues and consolidate memories, and is vital for cognitive function, metabolism, mood, and overall health. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to increased risk for diseases like obesity, diabetes, and dementia.
What drinks help promote sleep?
Warm non-caffeinated drinks like herbal tea, warm milk, or turmeric milk (golden milk) can aid sleep. Tart cherry juice also contains melatonin and may improve sleep quality. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks close to bedtime.
I hope this overview on what is sleep hygiene and why it's important has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.