Many of us are going about our days sluggish or groggy not only from the daily demands on our lives but from lack of sleep.
According to Sue Miles, director of the Habersham Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center, located on Austin Drive in Demorest, “If you have trouble sleeping, you need to contact your doctor. Nearly 50 million Americans chronically suffer from sleep problems and disorders that affect their personal relationships, their careers, and safety on our roads,” says Miles. “If left undiagnosed, sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, can have serious consequences on your health and can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and contribute to poor work performance. Sleep disorders affect all races and age groups, and it is important to recognize the signs and symptoms and be educated on the various treatment options.”
To help people gain better sleep, Miles also offers these tips on proper sleep habits:
- Consistency is key – Stick to a regular bed time, setting your internal clock helps your body auto-start the sleep process accordingly.
- Bedroom boundaries – Make sure the bedroom is only for going to sleep. It shouldn’t be a place to watch television, work on paperwork, surf the internet or eat. This way your body knows that when you get into bed, it’s time to go to sleep.
- Work up a sweat – Exercise can give your body something to rest from and help you stay asleep at night. To allow enough wind-down time, it’s best to complete exercise at least two to three hours before going to bed.
- Set the stage – Take a hot shower then get into a cool bed. The drop in your body’s temperature after taking a hot shower and entering a cooler room is a process that naturally mimics day and night, and may help guide you to sleep.
- Put your thoughts to bed – Jot down your to-do list for the next day and keep it near the bed to avoid racing thoughts that can prevent you from falling and staying asleep.
For more information or for a free printed sleep quiz, call the Habersham Medical Center Sleep Disorders Center at (706) 839-7378 or email [email protected].
