Sleep

Many of us know the importance of sleep. Whether it is from someone telling us or knowing how we feel after a night of not sleeping well. Memory, mood, blood sugar, and metabolism are some of the systems impacted when we do not get enough sleep. We go through various sleep cycles throughout the night. The first sleep cycle after we fall asleep helps our bodies clear out toxins and restore proper functions. The next part of the sleep cycle that occurs closer to the early morning helps us to restore and clear out our emotional centers. If you ever wonder why after not sleeping well your mood is different, this is part of the reason. It is important that we get enough sleep to go through all the cycles. Of course, life happens and depending upon various circumstances it can be a challenge to get the amount we need. Here are some tips and tricks to help with those sleep troubles.

General Sleep Hygiene Habits

·      7-9 hours/night

·      Go to bed and wake up at same time.

·      Turn off lights last hour before bed.

·      The best sleeping temperature is 65-68° F. Our body temperature needs to drop to fall and stay asleep.

Waking up at night

·      After 30 minutes of trying to fall back asleep, get out of bed and do something like reading, listening to music, or meditating.

·      If you do not feel like getting out of bed, go on a mental walk. Picture a path or a route you know well, picture yourself traveling along it and picture it clearly in your mind.

·      Anything that takes your mind off trying to fall asleep can be helpful.

Napping

·      Do not fear napping! Done well they can be a great tool to help fill sleep gaps. They can help reset our emotions and help with our memories.

·      20 minutes is the sweet spot for napping. Too long and you may wake up feeling groggier than before the nap. This is because you’ve entered one of the deep sleep cycles.

·      Naps after 3pm may make it harder to fall asleep at night. But you all know your schedules best 😊, so do what works for you.

Caffeine

Caffeine can disrupt our sleep in 3 ways:

·      It blocks the signals that tell us we are tired.

·      It can inhibit the deep sleep cycles. If you are the type of person who can fall asleep right after drinking coffee it is important to remember that it can still be affecting your quality of sleep even if you are able to fall and stay asleep.

·      It has a half-life of around 6 hours. This means that after 6 hours half of the amount of caffeine initially consumed is still circulating in the body. Noticing what time of day, we are having caffeine can be a useful tool for improving sleep quality.

Give these tips a try next time you find yourself having sleep troubles. If you feel like you need more support, chiropractic care and acupuncture can be helpful. Please contact our office if you have questions or need assistance.

Take Care!

Dr. Alex

216-952-3830

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Alex: Schedule Online!

Source

Podcast. Bartlett, Steven. “The World’s No.1 Sleep Expert: The 6 Sleep Hacks You NEED! - Matthew Walker | E228”. The Diary of a CEO. May 9th, 2023. Date Accessed 10/1/2023. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6F3dV8BzpJyHR61hDnrdxS?si=90cd4cf6c3df4599

Tips for Better Sleep During Pregnancy

Pregnant and exhausted? You’re not alone! A woman’s body goes through many changes and adjustments during pregnancy, and growing a human requires a lot of energy.  Many adjustments and changes happen during pregnancy: from changes in diet and physical activity to modifications of daily habits and routines, including sleep positions which can become issues as baby grows. Hormone shifts change body functions including digestion, bladder function, and even how the brain processes. These can all cause issues with restful sleep by affecting the ability to fall or stay asleep. A good night’s rest is not only important for mom, but also for her growing baby.  So, what can be done to help get better sleep? Here are a few tips and suggestions that may help you get more restful sleep during pregnancy:

1.     Get comfortable

Using pillows to support your body while sleeping during pregnancy is definitely recommended! Especially as baby grows and mom’s belly gets bigger, pillows and other cushioning can be very helpful to get comfortable and feel supported during sleep. Try using a pregnancy pillow or body pillow to support under your baby bump, between your knees and even to hug to take pressure off your shoulders and upper back. You can even use a pillow or rolled-up blanket in the small of your back to relieve pressure. If you are experiencing pain in your hips or low back, laying on a foam mattress pad or other cushioning may help take pressure off these joints. Also, make sure your neck is properly supported as well; avoid using pillows that are too flat or too fluffy which may affect normal alignment when you are sleeping. Sleeping on your side is recommended. Most doctors recommend women to sleep on their left side to help with support circulation and organs.

2. Practice Healthy Sleep Habits/Routines

Sleep experts recommend keeping electronics out of the bedroom and avoid using screens before bed. If you must have your phone or smart device in your room, keep it at least three feet from you. Turning off your home’s Wi-Fi at night and/or putting your phone on airplane mode can help decrease EMF waves which can interrupt normal brainwaves and sleep cycles. Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day to help maintain a healthy, balanced circadian rhythm. Keep your room at a comfortable temperature (not too hot or cold) and use curtains or blinds/shades to keep light out while sleeping, especially if you need to sleep during light hours.

3. Monitor What You Eat and Drink

Some foods such as high acidic or spicy foods may cause heartburn or indigestion, especially during pregnancy. Foods that cause constipation can make it difficult to sleep as well. Some people note that certain foods cause them to have unusual dreams which may disrupt sleep. If you know that certain foods affect your sleep, try eating them earlier in the day. Eating smaller meals spread throughout the day may help with digestion and make it easier to sleep. While it is essential to stay hydrated, try to drink more during the day and not close to bedtime. This can help decrease the number of times you need to wake up to use the bathroom at night. Pregnant women should eliminate caffeine while pregnant; if you are consuming any caffeine, avoid drinking it before bedtime.

5. Take Care of Your Muscles.

It is common for women to experience leg cramps or restless legs during pregnancy, especially in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. Increased need for minerals along with changes in blood flow or circulation can result in muscles not getting essential nutrients. Before bed, try stretching to improve circulation and decrease tension. Eating foods rich in calcium (such as green leafy vegetables, seeds, and beans/legumes) and magnesium (such as nuts, dark chocolate (try a healthy option like Hu brand), and potatoes or sweet potatoes. Magnesium lotions may support muscle function and relax tension. Mineral supplementation may be beneficial as well; consult your doctor for specific recommendations.

6. Relax Your Mind

If you can’t sleep within 30 minutes, get up and do a non-stimulating activity like reading. If you exercise and have a difficult time falling asleep, you may find that changing the time and type of movement you do close to bedtime helps. Some find that doing slower, more relaxing exercises such as yoga closer to going to sleep helps relax their body and mind. If you do more active exercise, doing your fitness before dinner or a few hours before you go to bed may allow your body more time to relax and prepare for sleep. To calm the mind and relax the body, try incorporating calming practices into your schedule, like yoga, journaling, meditation/prayer, and breathing exercises.

Follow these tips to help get a better night’s sleep for you and your baby. Our doctors and staff are here to support you during your motherhood journey. If you are having issues with sleep during pregnancy, schedule an appointment to ease stress and tension in your body and learn how you can improve your sleep and get better rest.