In today’s hectic world, sleep can seem like a luxury. Between work, school, and social obligations, many of us feel like we don’t have time to get enough sleep, and when we do have time to catch some Z’s, we can’t manage to turn our brains off.  November is National Sleep Comfort Month, so if you’re having trouble sleeping, the physicians at the Resurgens Spine Center have some tips that can help you prepare for bedtime so you can get the rest your body needs.

Electronic Devices and Sleep
These days, our electronic devices are practically part of our bodies.  While they are useful tools, our electronics can also have a big impact on our ability to sleep.  According to the National Sleep Foundation, not only can the light emitted by our phones and other electronics keep us up at night, using electronics before bed can cause the brain to stay active, making it harder to sleep.  If you want to get a better night’s rest, you might consider removing the electronics from your bedroom.

Diet and Sleep
Your diet and the timing of your meals can have a big impact on your sleep cycle.  Eating late at night, for example, can make it harder for your body to shut down and could result in an upset stomach that will keep you up.  In addition, eating sugary foods and drinks or caffeinated beverages close to bedtime can make falling asleep more difficult, so it’s best to avoid them before you hit the hay.

Exercise and Sleep
The more energy you burn during the day, the easier it will be for you to nod off at night.  If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, it may make it more difficult for you to fall asleep (in addition to causing numerous other health problems).  If you’re having trouble heading off to dreamland, getting some exercise may be the prescription you need.  Be sure to talk to a doctor about your sleep issues and they may recommend an exercise program that will make it easier to achieve quality, restful sleep.

Getting enough sleep is one of the most important factors that can affect your overall wellness.  If you’re not getting enough sleep, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor about it.  In addition to the tips listed above, they may be able to give you some more prudent advice that will have you nodding off with no problems!