Community Health Charities of Florida - February 2011

A good night's sleep is just as important as our need for food and water. Sleep deprivation can cause loss of productivity and several health complications. An estimated 60-80 million Americans--nearly 40% of women and 30% of men, suffer from an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep when they want to. Only 32% of Americans get the recommended eight hours of sleep every night. Community Health Charities along with the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance suggests the following tips on how to get a better night’s sleep.

What keeps us up?

·         Environmental factors

·         Temperature

·         Noise

·         Light

·         Discomfort

·         Family members

·         Pets

To get the best sleep, you should be in a comfortable, dark, quiet place. You may need a sleep mask, earplugs, a fan or a heater. You may also need to change your bed’s location, your mattress or the blinds on your windows.

Talk with your partner about his or her snoring, sleep/wake times or other sleep habits that affect you. You may need to re-train a pet who likes to sleep in your bed or makes noise at night.

If you are having trouble falling asleep, do not lie in bed awake. Lying in bed awake can cause insomnia and anxiety. Other tips for before bed is to exercise regularly, relax before bed, and avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol.

For more information about getting a good night’s sleep, please visit the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance’s website.