Sleep Hygiene
Importance of Sleep Hygiene
Sleep hygiene is just as important as any other type of hygiene, as it keeps you healthy and well when practiced appropriately. Unfortunately, many people practice poor sleep hygiene, some who are aware of their bad sleeping habits and others who are not, that can affect their health and well-being negatively. To optimize your sleep hygiene and get the most out of your nightly rest, you need to get to the roots of your bad sleeping habits.
Bad Sleeping Habits - How to Correct Them
Although poor sleep hygiene can become a problem, there are a number of ways to take control of your hygiene and correct any bad habits that are keeping you from experiencing deep, restful sleep. Be sure to replace any of the following bad sleeping habits with good ones to ensure healthy sleep hygiene:
- Sleeping curled up – Curling up while you sleep could result in back pain. Instead, sleep flat on your back. Many people curl up when cold at night, so keep your bedroom at a comfortable temperature to avoid curling and hurting your back and/or spine.
- Sleeping with a lamp on – Without total darkness, you can rarely reach the deep sleep your mind and body requires.
- Fresh flowers in the bedroom – Pollen could trigger an allergy attack and disrupt your sleep. Keep fresh flowers, especially sunflowers, out of the bedroom.
- Evening cleaning – Disinfectant chemicals can irritate the skin, throat, nose and lungs while you sleep. Clean your bedroom in the morning or afternoon instead.
- Sleeping face down – Sleeping face down can disrupt nocturnal breathing. Your body will wake you up if you are unable to breathe properly.
- Pets in the bed – Animal hair can trigger allergy attacks and asthma. Keep animals out of the bed.
- Skipping the make-up remover – Eye makeup can irritate your eyes while you sleep. Remove all traces of make up from your face before bed.
If you are concerned that you or someone you love may have a sleeping disorder consult with your doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment.
Disclaimer: Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and products are not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease.
