Sleep

 

The importance of sleep for our health and wellbeing cannot be underestimated. Sleep provides the foundation for all of our daily habits and decisions. Sleep deprivation can negatively affect our mood (it can lead to anxiety and depression), as well as our ability to focus on daily tasks.

Of course, everyone’s situation is different and if you are having problems falling or staying asleep, it is crucial to consult a doctor or sleep specialist. But here are a few general tips to improve sleep that might be a good start:

• Set a regular bedtime and go to bed and get up at a similar time each day (including weekends).

• Don’t eat or drink in the last 3 hours before bed (water is ok)

• Sleep in a room that is completely dark (invest in dark, light-blocking curtains and turn off devices and even the tiniest light sources).

• Use your bed only for sleeping and sex.

• Lower your lights about 2 hours before bedtime, or get blue-light blocking glasses.

• Try to step outside into sunlight as soon as possible after waking up.

• Say no to coffee and any other caffeine source after 2 p.m.

• Try magnesium and/or melatonin supplement.

• Exercise regularly (but not too close to bedtime).