Sleep Tip for Better Health
We all experience occasional restlessness, but the first step need not be a drug. If you have even a short-term sleep problem, examine your routines. Bad habits such as long or late-day naps, watching tv in bed, drinking alchohol or caffeinated beverages close to bedtime, eating large meals at night, allowing pets or children to share your bed, or varying bedtimes and wake-up times can cause problems.
Your bed is one source of sleep problems you might have overlooked. If you’ve slept on the same mattress for more than eight years, it could be time for a replacement. Worn-out mattresses don’t supply the same comfort and support as newer ones. Also, if you’re older than 40, your mattress needs might hace changed since your previous purchase. As we grow older, our bodies become more sensitive to pressure points, so a cushiony mattress might provide a better night’s sleep than a rock-hard bed. If sleeplessness persists several nights a week for at least three months, it’s time to see a doctor.