Major Habits To Kick For A Good Night's Sleep

Sleep is perhaps one of the most vital aspects of an individual's health. Good sleep quality helps the body fight off infection, re-energize for the next day, and reduces an individual's risk of developing countless health conditions. Unfortunately, it can often be tough to get a good night's sleep. The mind races from one thought to another. The body is restless, tossing and turning. It might seem like a form of torture, but what many don't realize is some of their daily habits contribute to their inability to get a full night of sleep.

Bedtime Snacks Keep You Up

While it's nice to have a small treat in the evening from time to time, having them on a regular basis is not beneficial and can contribute to sleep problems. This is especially true when individuals consume sweets or caffeinated drinks within a two-hour window before bed. These products can make it hard for individuals to fall asleep and to stay asleep. It's best to avoid snacking before bed. However, if an individual must have a drink within this two-hour window, they should always stay clear of sweet and caffeinated drinks. instead, they should try an herbal tea like fennel or chamomile to help relax and calm their mind and body.

Naps Do You No Good

While some believe napping partway through the day is a good thing to do, researchers have discovered regular napping during the day can actually increase an individual's the risk of health conditions like heart disease. Additionally, napping has been shown to increase an individual's likelihood of waking up during the night, since they may not feel as tired. It's far better to work through the day and to feel really tired come bedtime. If it's hard to concentrate midway through the afternoon, take a short break and get a big drink of water. Often, mid-day fatigue is due to dehydration. By staying awake until bedtime, individuals will likely get a better nights' sleep, and wake refreshed in the morning.