HEALTHY LIVING WITH JANICE--TIP FOR A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP

photo by Juanedc

A good night’s sleep is so important for so many reasons. A recent TED talk discussed how scientists have discovered that while we sleep, the brain undergoes a natural cleansing system that keeps toxic proteins at bay.

Studies have also found links between insufficient sleep and serious health problems such as heart disease, heart attacks, diabetes, and obesity.

Other studies have shown that both chronic pain and acute pain from injury may be lessened by getting enough sleep, although it’s often hard to sleep when you’re in pain. There have also been links discovered between sleep loss and a lower pain threshold.

Getting enough sleep will also lower your risk of injury. Drowsiness is a prime factor in many workplace and driving accidents. When you’re overtired, you’re also much more likely to suffer a household accident such as tripping or cutting yourself during food preparation.

You also tend to be much less cranky and irritable when you’ve gotten enough sleep, and that helps regulate your emotions. You’re much less likely to suffer rollercoaster emotions or say something or type an email you later regret.

So now that you know all the benefits of getting a good night’s sleep, how do you get one if you’re not currently sleeping well at night? The trick might be as simple as checking your pillow thickness. If your pillow is as little as 1-inch too thick, it can disrupt your sleep.

How do you know if your pillow is the right thickness? Lie on your back with your head on your pillow. If your chin points even slightly toward your chest, your pillow is too thick. Choose a pillow that keeps your head from dipping up or down, and you’ll sleep better.