Better Sleep

Anyone who has ever attempted to improve the quality of their sleep knows the importance of setting a regular sleep schedule. And what that usually entails is going to bed at the same time each night and waking at an appropriate time each morning. 

Here are a couple of New Year’s resolutions that come with great sleep as a bonus.

One feature of good sleep is being able to fall asleep quickly. And by “quickly,” sleep experts usually mean 10 to 20 minutes and no longer than 30 minutes after going to bed. If it normally takes you longer than that, you may have a sleep problem.

There are two likely reasons why you may have more energy on less sleep: raised stress hormone levels and temporary changes in the brain’s reward system.

Sleep is absolutely essential for academic success. Yet, research shows at least 60% of all college students today are sleep deprived. 

Insomnia, a problem seen in at least 10-30% of the population, is regularly treated with hypnotics, better known as sleeping pills. But these come with quite a few side effects — and they’re intended for short-term use only! For all these and other reasons, a growing number of people are turning to natural alternatives. 

Summer breaks are an opportunity for families to connect, loosen up, and sleep in. But with the new school year just around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for more structured daily schedules, which also include better sleep habits!