The quality of sleep you get at night plays a significant role in your overall health. Therefore, if there is something interrupting your rest, it’s important to stop and take notice. As you read on, learn 5 tips for a better night of sleep. In addition, you’ll discover some of the warning signs of sleep apnea in Lawton, and how the condition could be depriving you of the regenerative benefits of sleep.
Tip #1 – Power Off All Electronic Devices
If you have a habit of using your cellphone or computer, or watching television before retiring for bed, then it could be impeding your rest. One of the reasons for this is that such behavior can overstimulate your nervous system and make it harder to relax.
A simple remedy is to discontinue the usage of all electronic devices at least 30 minutes before you turn-in at night.
Tip #2 – Read a Book
Have you ever felt like you just can’t unwind enough to fall asleep? If so, instead of trying to force yourself to do so, you can try an alternate activity like reading a thought-provoking book. The latter will help with easing your brain into a more relaxed state so you can have a peaceful night of sleep.
Tip #3 – Limit Your Coffee Consumption
If you’re like most people and enjoy drinking coffee, it’s important to do so in moderation. Because it contains a stimulant called caffeine, you should be careful not to consume coffee after midday, as it can make it harder to get a good night of rest.
Tip #4 – Take a Relaxing Bath
After a long day, there are few activities more relaxing than taking a warm bath. Not only will it help you rest better, but it’s also a great way to decrease any stress.
Tip #5 – Maintain a Regular Sleep Routine
Your daily cycles of sleeping and waking-up are based on a rhythmic pattern. Therefore, it’s important to maintain a consistent schedule. Why? Because your body is like a computer that processes data. Therefore, to convince it that it’s okay to rest at night, it’s best to stay on a consistent sleep schedule.
What if These Suggestions Don’t Work?
If you’ve tried all of the above and noticed that it’s still difficult to fall asleep, and you awaken to symptoms like daytime lethargy, inability to focus, depression, mood swings, lost libido or headaches, it could be a sign of sleep apnea, which is the frequent loss of breath while sleeping.
As a result of each pause in breathing, the brain sends a distress signal that interrupts sleep. Since this can happen hundreds of times a night in more acute cases, the usual benefits of sleep are lost.
If you suspect that you’re suffering from this condition, the first step is to bring it to your physician’s attention so you can undergo a sleep study. If you have a positive diagnosis, you can then seek sleep apnea treatment in Lawton to help you recover. To get the rest you need, be proactive and take action today!
About the Author
A graduate of the Northwestern University Dental School in Chicago, Dr. David J. Drummond has been practicing dentistry for over three decades. He understands how important a good night’s sleep is, which is why he treats sleep apnea at Stop Snoring Lawton. Dr. Drummond can be reached for more information through his website.