7 Ways to a better nights sleep by Tim LeGendre 3.30.2003
We all know how important a good nights sleep can be. Proper sleep is the only way we can recover from grueling workouts or a tiring cardio session. <i>NSF's 2002 Sleep in America Poll</i> shows that 58% of adults in the U.S. experience have a hard time sleeping a few nights a week or more. I?ve listed a couple ways to get a better nights sleep, so you can get on the muscle building train.
<h2>[b]1. Light[/b]</h2>
First we need to establish a comfortable sleeping environment. You won?t be able to get good nights sleep with computer lights flashing, cell phone charger lights on, or even a bright alarm clock. You want your environment to be as dark as possible, Kind of like you are in a cave. I would invest in a nice set of blinds or curtains also you can block out that bright morning light, when your not ready to wake up yet. So first thing you need to do is turn off the computer, cover up all little lights here and there, and last just make it as dark as possible.
<h2>[b]2. Noise[/b]</h2>
How can you sleep if you have dogs barking outside, living by a train track, squeaking fans, and computer humming? The second thing to a good nights sleep is to block out all the noise. Some things you just can?t control, so go buy some earmuffs or some earplugs. So for everything else just try to turn it off or put some WD-40 on it. When your environment is the quietest it can be then you will be able to relax and drift away.
<h2>[b]3. Temperature[/b]</h2>
You might want to check into some kind of cooling or heating unit for your sleeping environment. If you are lying there shivering because you are so cold or lying there sweating because you are burning alive, then how will you get a good night sleep? Turn that fan on and throw the covers off, just make sure that you make the most comfortable temperature setting possible.
<h2>[b]4. Exercise[/b]</h2>
Exercising before bed is not a good thing. When you have a grueling workout or a tiring cardio session and then expect to go jump in bed and sleep the night away, it won?t work. You get yourself all worked up, blood flowing, etc. Your body needs time to settle its bodily functions to get ready for recovery. So I suggest no exercising at least three hours before bedtime.
<h2>[b]5. Forget the day[/b]</h2>
Going to bed being worried about what you need to do tomorrow or what you didn?t finish today, will not get you anywhere. You will end up spending your time thinking of what needs to get done then trying to relax. So forget the day, before you go to bed spend five to ten minutes jotting down the stuff that you need to do or what you didn?t finish. Then you won?t need to worry about forgetting anything, you will have it all written down. That way you can get up well rested and take on your daily tasks.
<h2>[b]6. Food[/b]</h2>
Yeah a big hamburger and a nice huge coke before bed right? NO, consuming caffeine late in the day is not a good thing. Unless you want to be kept up all night tossing and turning, drinking coffee or an ice-cold coke won?t be a good idea. It is best not to eat a big meal before bed for numerous reasons. So just have a nice warm glass of milk or something light that usually makes you tired.
<h2>[b]7. Get sleepy.[/b]</h2>
You are sitting there watching a good movie and then all of a sudden you look up at the clock and you realize that it is time for bed, so you get up and jump in the bed. Most likely you will end up thinking what will happen in the movie or think about how good the actress/actor looked. So, about 15-20 minutes before bed just get sleepy. Relax and listen to some music, drink some warm milk, or follow you favorite remedy. If you make yourself tired before bed then you have already fought have the battle.
I hope that my 7 simple steps might help you get a better night sleep. Don?t forget to establish a good bedtime routine. Keep it simple, trying to hard to go to sleep will just make you frustrated and will end up making it harder to fall asleep. Also try not to take naps during the day, which could throw your sleeping habits offline and you will end up not being as sleepy as you are used to.
Thanks,
Tim LeGendre
