Getting Good Sleep...

rawr life getting good sleep

Why can’t I get to sleep?

Sleep is one of the most important things we can do to improve our health. Getting uninterrupted sleep, or even just falling asleep, has become a thing of the past. We have more stress, anxiety, anger, fear, and worry making sleep even more difficult.  Physical activity during the day helps with sleep at night reducing stress hormones for better sleep.  When our stress hormones, like cortisol, rises it affects the other hormones of the body as well. Elevated stress hormones are also one of the biggest contributors to weight issues.

Why can’t I stay asleep?

Waking up and not being able to get to sleep is also caused by forms of stress. Some of us may wake with hunger pains or have to use the restroom then are unable to return to sleep. Many of us also get distracted once we wake up and then can’t fall back to sleep. Sleeping with a pet too can either help or hurt. Sleeping with someone that snores can be detrimental even for themselves. Certain forms of light in a room may make it difficult or unhealthy towards good sleep.

Why can’t I wake up in the morning?

When we are unable to sleep well during the night then it will be difficult to wake up in the morning.  This is obvious and we’ve all noticed that when we do not sleep well it is harder to wake up.

Does technology and social media ruin sleep?

Yes, social media can ruin sleep. We stay very connected to responses and comments on our social media feeds. We even check on them during the night if we wake. Not only does the act of doing that disrupt our deep sleep, but so does the light from our phones. Night lighting from technology, especially from blue light, affects our circadian rhythm through messing with the hormone melatonin. This can also contribute to mood disorders through suppressing circadian rhythm which can bring on depression and anxiety.

How does nutrition affect sleep?

When we consume foods that are high in fat and low in fiber we are setting ourselves up not only for weight issues but also sleep issues.  Consuming relaxing herbs, healthy vegetables, fruits, fats, complex carbohydrates, and protein all contribute to restful sleep.

 

Stay Well,

– RAWr! Life.

 

Resources
 https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-foods-that-help-you-sleep/
https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/phone-night-depression-mental-health-light-a9538801.html
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/block-blue-light-to-sleep-better#1
https://www.providence.org/news/uf/618911654