Between working, parenting, spending time with loved ones and taking care of household chores like laundry and grocery shopping (to name but a few), adulthood doesn’t provide nearly the free time that we imagined as kids.
So it’s not too surprising to read that
half of American adults don’t get enough sleep. When else but evenings are we going to catch up on reading, those last few emails, time with that special someone, or even guilty TV pleasures?
Despite temptations to prioritize other matters over sleep, the fact remains that failing to get enough sleep can have
long-term consequences for our health. Which is why we wanted to share
some tips from the folks at BlissTree on healthy sleep hygiene – ways to ensure that you’re preparing your mind and body for a restful night’s sleep.
Some recommendations – like keeping electronics out of the bedroom – you may have heard before. But did you know certain foods promote sleep, just as others may prevent it? (Hint: lay off the late-night sugary snacks, and opt for whole grains, nuts or bananas if you’re hungry).
Other recommendations say to avoid steamy baths or showers before bedtime (because our bodies sleep best when we are cool) – and to resist the temptation to sleep in on weekends.
It may take a while to build healthy sleep habits, but your body will thank you!