January 16, 2022
4 Things to Try if You’re Having Trouble Sleeping
It’s nothing new for people to have trouble sleeping, but the problem has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, almost 40% of those surveyed said that their sleeping habits have worsened during the pandemic.
The reasons for this increase can be due to stress that the pandemic is causing concerning our health, our jobs, and our way of life overall, as mental health has been affected during this period as well.
If you’ve tried the old standbys of cutting back on caffeine, alcohol, and screen time in the evening and are still struggling, Centers Healthcare has five things to try that you may not have otherwise thought of or realized when it comes to how these factors affect your sleep.
- It Could Be Your Pillow
The National Sleep Foundation recommends changing your pillow every year or two; it’s safe to say that most of us use pillows that are older than that. Old pillows can cause neck and shoulder pain that prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep.
- Start Your Day Outside
Getting outside in the morning sun is a good way to tell your body that it’s time to stop producing melatonin, and it can set your internal timer to again start producing it when it should. Experts recommend getting 30 minutes of sunlight in the morning and then spend around 15 minutes outside twice during the day.
- Cut Out Late-Night Salty Snacks
Consuming salt late at night can lead to your body having to urinate, waking you up in order to use the bathroom. If you are waking up at night routinely to use the restroom and do partake in a salty snack or two, cut that out and see if it helps.
- Don’t Let Heavy Stuff Weigh on the Brain
Arguments, tough discussions, and even doing something like watching a scary or suspenseful show or movie can raise your heart rate and make it harder for you to get to sleep.
