We have long known sleep can improve our health, mood and overall well-being. The average person spends nearly one-third of his or her life sleeping. But for some of us, getting a healthy, restful night of sleep can be challenging.
Here are four helpful tips for a healthy, restful night of sleep
- Stick to a sleep schedule: Try to maintain a consistent bedtime and wake up time. Your daily routine influences your quality of rest.
- Exercise daily: Even a light workout during the day can have positive effects at night. You can boost your sleep duration with exercise, as it may help you feel more tired and be ready to sleep at the end of the day.
- Watch your intake: Alcohol, cigarettes and caffeine can disrupt sleep. Eating heavy meals in the evening can cause discomfort from indigestion than can make it hard to sleep. Try to avoid these sleep disrupters, especially later in the day.
- Wind down: Spend at least the last hour before bed doing a calming activity such as reading. Working these habits into your sleep schedule can help calm your mind and ease the transition from a busy day to a nighttime ritual.
Wearable technology helps monitor sleep habits
Recent advances in wearable technology have given us a greater understanding of just how impactful good sleep can be on the body. These devices use movement and heart rate variability to better measure the time spent in each sleep stage. This sleep data can then be used to determine how well-rested you are for the day ahead.
The usefulness of wearables does not end when the day is over. By increasing sleep awareness, you can set yourself up for a healthy and productive day. Be sure to check out Blue365’s deals on wearable devices to help you better monitor your sleep and improve sleep habits.
As a member of Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield you have access to Blue365® at no cost. Blue365 offers exclusive health and wellness deals, keeping you healthy and happy, every day of the year. Click here to sign up today or You can also sign into your My Blueprint account to access Blue365 deals.
This content is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or condition. Always check with your doctor before changing your diet, altering your sleep habits, taking supplements, or starting a new fitness routine.