Sweet Dreams: 5 Tips for Better Sleep
December 11, 2023
Does your mind race every night as soon as you lay down in bed? Do you struggle to fall asleep or continuously wake up throughout the night? You aren’t alone! One in every 3 American adults describe last night’s sleep as “fair” or “poor” and an estimated 50 to 70 million people have sleep disorders. Luckily, following a few simple tips can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Here are 5 tips for better sleep:
1. Avoid Alcohol & Caffeine
What we put into our bodies affects all aspects of our health. Sleep is no exception to this rule! While alcohol may relax you, don’t be fooled; alcohol can actually negatively impact sleep quality. A drink before bed may cause you to wake up in the middle of the night and struggle to fall back asleep as the liver processes alcohol. It can negatively impact the quality of REM sleep and worsen both sleep apnea and snoring. Caffeine should be avoided before bed as well, as it stimulates the nervous system, making it more difficult to reach a relaxed state required for sleep.
2. Consistency is Key
Our nightly habits have a significant impact on our ability to sleep. Humans are creatures of habit, so keeping a consistent sleep schedule helps our body’s know when it’s time to drift off into sleep. The circadian rhythm is the 24-hour sleep/wake cycle that acts as an internal clock, signaling to the body when to carry out specific processes. One of those processes is sleep. Going to bed at the same time each night helps set a routine schedule that our body’s naturally want to follow, helping you to achieve better sleep.
3. Melatonin
Melatonin is a sleep supplement that can help our internal clocks stay on track! This sleep hormone tells the body when it’s time to fall asleep. Melatonin is naturally occurring in the body, but a boost via a supplement can give us an extra push to get over the pesky hump that guards sleep. Melatonin is the most commonly used over-the-counter sleep supplements, aiding us in reaching the required relaxed state that many with insomnia struggle to achieve.
4. NCP NEURO Magnesium Blend
Several other supplements beyond melatonin can lead to better sleep. NCP NEURO Magnesium Blend is a dietary supplement featuring a proprietary form of magnesium l-threonate, the magnesium form best suited for brain relaxation. Magnesium helps to relax the central nervous system and increase the feeling of sleepiness. Many people combine this magnesium product with the next option!
5. Sleep +
Sleep + is a supplement that helps you fall asleep, stay asleep and feel refreshed the next day! This blend of melatonin, l-theanine and chamomile comes in convenient dissolvable discs that you simply add to your drink before going to bed. Chamomile has been used for centuries in traditional folk medicine to help with sleep and anxiety thanks to its calming effects. These lightly sweetened blueberry flavored discs can be added to hot or cold beverages.
Better sleep is right around the corner when you apply some of these tips! North Century Pharmacy provides customized, patient-first solutions for health concerns of all shapes and sizes! Find out more about why you’ll love our independent pharmacy!
