Getting a good amount of sleep each night is essential to your overall health and well-being. But why exactly is that? And what does a good amount of sleep look like?
At the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla, we believe that a better understanding of your sleep hygiene can lead to more efficient sleep practices and a healthier sleeping routine. From power naps to good overnight sleep cycles, there are many tips you can employ to ensure that your sleeping schedule is in a good state.
If you are seeking a better night’s rest, or are in need of a sleep apnea doctor in New York City, consult with Dr. Shukla today.
What Exactly Is Sleep Hygiene?
All of the steps that you take to get plenty of rest, whether overnight or during the day, comprise good sleep hygiene. Understanding when and how to go to sleep, as well as the benefits of napping can get you on the right track to practicing good sleep hygiene.
If you feel like your sleep is suffering, it could lead to an excessive amount of exhaustion, fatigue, crabbiness, and the development of some serious sleep disorders. You need to practice good sleep hygiene on a daily basis to prevent medical maladies. Here are a few tips for you to try at home to get your natural sleep schedule back on track.
Don’t Sleep Until You’re Sleepy
Some people try to go to bed much too early, just to rack in those extra hours of zzz’s. But this isn’t always the best approach to maintaining good sleep hygiene. Instead, you should participate in an activity like reading to help relax your mind and your body. Eventually, you’ll start to feel the drowsiness kick in, and you’ll be ready for bed.
You can even practice certain before-bed rituals such as taking a hot bath or listening to calming music. Doing these activities before bed will condition your body to feel tired as it begins to wind down for the night. When practicing your favorite calming traditions, you should be able to fall asleep in about 20 minutes.
Don’t Eat Before Bed
Eating a heavy meal before bedtime is one of the worst things you can do for your body. When you go to sleep, your body begins to relax and shut down for the night. It can’t work as hard as it usually does to digest and break down your food. Because of this, when you eat before bed, the food rests in your belly and is far more difficult to digest overnight. This will leave you feeling sick and bloated, and you may even gain weight. Plus, your internal organs will be stressed from having to do extra work during their break time.
If You Nap, Make it Short
Power naps during the day can be a great way to restore your energy and replenish your body’s natural resources when you’re feeling dragged down. During a long work day, it may be tempting to lay down and rest your eyes for a bit. But when it comes to napping, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it.
It isn’t good to nap during all times of the day. You can easily rest during the mid-morning or afternoon, as long as you don’t spend longer than 20 or 30 minutes in bed. Make sure to give yourself a dark and cool space to sleep in as well, or else the lights will bother your eyes and interrupt your sleeping schedules.
Sleep Apnea Doctor in New York City
At the office of Dr. Mayank Shukla, your sleeping and breathing patterns are our number one priority. If you have trouble falling asleep at night, or are seeking a sleep apnea doctor in New York City, contact our talented staff members right away. You can get a hold of us online or give us a call at (917) 935-4864 to schedule a consultation. We’re happy to help!
