Sleepless Nights?

Do you find that you are tossing and turning when you should be sleeping?  Or are you waking up feeling tired in the morning?  Check out these tips that can help you sleep better at night. 

1. Cool down- We are able to rest easier when we are bodies are feeling cool. Try turning down your thermostat a few degrees at night.
2. Keep electronics out- Always shut down the electronics about 30 minutes before bedtime, this includes phones, laptops, i pads and televisions. 
3. Relaxing activates- As you wind down at night create a habit of doing something that may relax you, such as a warm bath/shower or some quiet meditation. 
4. Consistency helps- Try to go to bed and wake up around the same time every night when possible.  This includes weekends and holiday.
5. Limit alcohol- Although alcohol may make you feel sleepy, it can actually disrupt you sleep throughout the night.
6. Skip the nicotine & caffeine – Both of these products acts as stimulant that will keep you awake, and can take hours to wear off.
7. Not hungry or Stuffed-  It’s best to go to bed when you stomach feels “normal”  a hungry or over-stuffed stomach can actually make it harder for you to fall asleep. 
8. Exercise during the day- Studies have shown those who exercise tend to sleep better at night.  Try not to work out too late at night so that you feel too energized at bed time.
9. Get up-  If you are lying awake for extended amounts of time try getting up and doing a light activity like reading a book for a little while and return to bed once you are feeling sleepy.

10.  Consult a doctor- If you are consistently having sleepless nights and it is affecting your mood or performance at work you may want to consult your physician.  It is never safe to take any sort of sleeping medication unless advised by a doctor.