ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — According to one survey conducted by the Better Sleep Council, about half of Americans say they don’t get enough sleep, but most of them don’t take any action to improve their situation. We all know sleep is important to our health, and just one simple change could make a difference.
Are you a night owl or a morning lark?
New research shows early to bed and early to rise may indeed make you healthy. A study that analyzed 440,000 adults found those who labeled themselves “morning people” ate 25 percent more fruit and 13 percent more veggies compared to “evening people.” The morning people were also 60 percent less likely to be smokers and spent less time watching TV or in front of a computer screen. Researchers believe more time awake at night leaves more time for unhealthy behaviors.
If you want to hit the hay sooner, try shifting your bedtime in five to ten minute increments a night until you get to your goal. Use a very small dose of melatonin early in the evening to help alter your sleep/wake cycle. Also, set a curfew on electronics. Put them down at least an hour before bedtime.
Experts say it’s very important to stick to a sleep schedule and practice bedtime rituals. You should go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Also, keep your bedroom cool , between 60 and 67 degrees for optimal sleep comfort.
Contributors to this news report include: Julie Marks, Producer; Tony D’Astoli, Editor and Videographer.
