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Getting a good night’s sleep is more important than you may realize. While it obviously keeps you from feeling your most alert during the day, getting good quality sleep affects other parts of the body as well. Poor sleep patterns have been linked to a higher risk of things like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Even more, a study performed by UCLA found that even one night of poor sleep can cause adult cells to age much quicker.
Getting quality sleep each night, not just quality, is crucial for your wellbeing. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine says that anything under seven hours of sleep a night is insufficient as most adults need at least seven or more hours each night in order to support optimal health. However, our society is more stressed out than ever, which makes it difficult to get good quality sleep. This affects multiple facets of our daily lives, from decision making to memory, even creativity. What can you do to improve your sleep, and make the most of your waking hours as well?
Erin Mewshaw, the Clinical Director for the New York Center of Innovative Medicine, says that first and foremost you should look at your daily habits. Doing things like shutting off electronics and eating your last meal 2-3 hours before bed can help with trouble getting asleep and staying asleep.
Aside from that, exercising daily can also promote better sleep. “Twenty to thirty minutes of exercise a day has been shown to positively affect sleep by improving not only the quality, but also the duration. It helps to reset your sleep-wake cycle by altering body temperatures.” She says.
But if you need another boost every night, Mewshaw’s favorite supplement for better sleep, and better moods throughout the day as a result, is tart cherry juice. “Tart cherry juice which helps to naturally increase melatonin production in the body. This in turn will help you fall asleep faster and provide deeper quality sleep.” She says.
Lifestyle changes, coupled with natural supplements, can be great aids in improving sleep patterns. Although we live in a very go-go-go society, it’s important to prioritize rest. Without adequate rest and relaxation, you can’t be your most productive self.
