Gain an Hour and Better Sleep Habits

No better time to create beneficial sleep habits than on the start of Daylight Savings!

Turning the clock backwards is a great way to “gain” and extra hour of sleep – if you keep up with the best sleeping habit practices! The benefits of a good night’s sleep range from increased energy, to an improved sense of well-being. If you’re not getting the seven to eight hours of sleep per night as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), it’s time to take a look at the potential consequences of burning the candle at both ends. Skimping out on sleep can affect your heart health, immune system, weight, mood—and even your ability to withstand pain.

Practicing Good Sleep Hygiene
Practicing good “sleep hygiene”—habits and practices that are conducive to sleeping well on a regular basis—is key. Good sleep hygiene includes:

• Going to bed at the same time each night
• Sleeping in a quiet and dark room—and neither too hot nor too cold
• Removing all TVs and computers from the room
• Making your bed as comfortable as possible and using your bedroom for intimacy and sleeping only
• Blocking out all light and distracting noise
• Avoiding heavy, spicy or sugary meals before bedtime
• Exercising regularly, but not right before bed

Certain behaviors can be adopted to help achieve a good night’s sleep, including…
• Stopping or limiting caffeine
• Reducing alcohol intake (especially in the evening)
• Using simple relaxation techniques when sleep seems elusive

The bottom line
Lack of adequate sleep can make daily life more challenging for anyone, particularly for people who live with chronic pain. If you suffer from chronic pain and aren’t getting adequate rest due to insomnia or disturbed sleep, your pain management specialist can help you resolve—or manage—both conditions.