Poor quality and quantity of sleep is associated with higher risk of diseases such as diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease.
Simple measures to improve quality of sleep:
- Getting adequate light exposure first thing in the morning, ideally natural sunlight or turn the lights on brightly in the house
- Sleep and wake at the same time each day
- Keeping the same nighttime routine each night help triggers the body to know that it is time to sleep
- No gadgets one hour before sleep- this includes phones, tv, ipads, laptops
- Listening to calm music before sleep
- Warm shower before bed or a warm decafefinated drink
These simple measures can have a profound impact on sleep quality & quantity.