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| Employee Health & Wellness |
| Tired of Being Tired? Some ideas to help you sleep better |
Like half of all Americans, there are probably some nights that sleeping is difficult for you. If you are an owner or manager of a business, the stress level at work can substantially compound the problem. Sometimes the thought of how much sleep you’re losing is enough to keep you awake! Try some of the following ideas, recommended by the National Sleep Foundation:
- Avoid caffeine or alcoholic drinks within 6 hours of bedtime.
- Exercise regularly. Research suggests exercise in the late afternoon and not too close to bedtime will help deepen your sleep.
- Keep a consistent bedtime and avoid naps.
- Soak in a tub. Research suggests that a “core body temperature shift” may ease the transition into sleep.
- If you do a lot of “clock watching” at night, try setting your alarm, then hiding your clock from view.
- Choose a relaxing bedtime ritual like reading a good book, listening to soft music, or cuddling in a pair of cozy pajamas.
- If you worry yourself awake, try sitting down with your day planner before bedtime rather than in the morning. Keep a “worry book” by your bedside and jot down your concerns. Schedule time to deal with the problems that are keeping you awake.
- If you don’t fall asleep within 15 minutes of going to bed, get up and do something you enjoy until you feel sleepy again.
- If nothing helps, see a doctor. There are sometimes treatable causes for sleep problems.
Some ideas to help you sleep better:
Free brochure: “When You Can’t Sleep: the ABCs of ZZZs,” request it by writing to The National Sleep Foundation, 1367 Connecticut Avenue NW, Department T-O, Washington, D.C. 20036.
Source: “Helping Yourself to a Good Night’s Sleep.” The National Sleep Foundation. www. sleepfoundation.org.
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