Everyone knows a full eight hours of sleep each night is what the body needs to optimally function. But, if you're having problems hitting the hay or staying asleep, read these healthy habits so you can wake up feeling fully rested.
#1: Don't Eat Right Before Bed
Having a snack just before you hit the hay can cause you to wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, or worse, heartburn.
#2: Avoid Snoozing in on Weekends
As sad as it is to say, sleeping in can ruin your sleep. Your body responds well to routine, so sticking to your regular bedtime patterns is a must to stay well rested.
#3: Read a Good Book
For chronic non-sleepers (hello, insomniacs!) grabbing a soothing read right before bed can help you drift to sleep.
#4: Ditch Digital Gadgets
The brightness of screens on computers, smart phones, and other gadgets stimulate the brain and force you to stay awake.
#5: Skip That Glass of Wine
You may think that glass of wine you have before bed helps you relax and fall asleep, but it actually does the opposite-it disrupts the stages of sleep which can cause you to wake up or toss and turn throughout the night.
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#6: Drop the Coffee
Beverages like coffee, tea, or soda, and even foods with chocolate have high doses of caffeine that will keep you awake. Try not to consume these items at least 6-7 hours before bed.
#7: Work Out Earlier
Exercise increases your body temperature and elevates your energy level. Both of these can disrupt your sleeping patterns, so avoid working out a couple of hours before bed.
#8: Have Sex
While sex may keep you up past your bedtime, the chemical released post-orgasm (oxytocin) can help you both sleep like a baby.
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Reprinted with Permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
