Summer’s here — the sun is shining and you may be feeling restless and unable to sleep. Lack of sleep can often come upon us when the seasons shift. The heat and humidity of warmer months can make it difficult for some to sleep, especially for people who don’t have air conditioning.
One way to improve your sleep is to maintain a cool bedroom temperature. Here are some other useful tips:
• Make your day work for you. Daily exercise and a consistent routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time will help program your body to wind down when it’s time to sleep. Calming activities, such as leisure reading, will also help you relax and ease the transition into deeper sleep.
• Create a sleep sanctuary. Dim the lights in the evening to tell your body bedtime is approaching and sleep in a dark room. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary from all the stresses of the day. Keep it cool, quiet and free from distractions.
• While room lights, TV, computers and other electronics illuminate our worlds well beyond nightfall and give us the ability to stay active after dark, scientists are now contemplating how this prolonged exposure to light might interfere with our bodies’ naturally-programmed sleep patterns. In other words, computers, cell phones and work assignments should be out of sight.
• Have a backup plan. Lessen the pressures of trying to fall asleep by selecting a calming activity that’s right for you. If you’re not sleepy, simply get out of bed and do something relaxing in dim light. Return to bed only when you are sleepy.
• Talk to your doctor if sleeplessness persists. Sometimes lifestyle changes and behavioural approaches are not enough to correct the issue.
