Dr. Andrea Noey shares tips for sleeping soundly.

Spring is just around the corner and Daylight Saving’s Time is upon us, meaning it’s time to turn the clock ahead one hour this weekend (leaving us all feeling a little extra tired and cranky). And this lack of sleep can affect more than just our moods.

It’s a well-known fact that getting good sleep is important to our overall health and wellness. A recent Gallup poll, however, shows that 40 percent of us are getting less than the seven to nine hours currently recommended. This means a lot of us are yawning at our desks and feeling sluggish throughout the day.

If you’re having trouble getting your much-needed ZZZ’s, Dr. Andrea Noey recommends the following tips for sleeping soundly this spring:

Raise Your Head
When sleeping, keep your head raised 4 - 6 inches off the bed. This will allow gravity to keep your stomach acids from moving up your digestive tract that may cause problems in your stomach and esophagus. Avoid using two pillows for raising your head as this may hurt your neck, back or shoulders. Instead, use a folded towel on a single pillow, or get a jumbo-sized pillow or neck pillow for support while sleeping.

Place a Pillow Between your Legs
Placing a cushion or pillow between your knees or legs helps keep your body aligned, improving circulation and reducing pressure. All of which helps your body move waste through your system easier without encountering any pressure or blockage that could potentially slow down the process.

Mind Your Meals
Eating a heavy meal too close to bedtime can cause digestive upset and heartburn, making you too uncomfortable to sleep. It’s best to eat your last meal at least 2 - 4 hours before you go to bed and to make it a lighter meal at that.

Note: For better digestion, before sleeping, Dr. Noey recommends avoiding consuming stimulants such as coffee, soda, peppermint, alcohol, chocolate or spicy foods.

Consider Cranking the A/C
While it’s tempting to crack the window to listen to raindrops pelting on the roof, this also means pollen is blowing in as well which can lead to sneezing, along with itchy, watery eyes. Better to try a ceiling fan or crank up the air conditioning. In no time at all, the whir of the fan will lull you to sleep!

Stretch Away Stress
If you’re feeling stressed, try 20 minutes of stretching exercises or yoga before you go to bed. You’ll not only feel better, you’ll sleep better as well!

Stay Hydrated
Not drinking enough water can make you feel sluggish all day, so stay hydrated by sipping water 30 minutes or so before bed. It can help move things along your digestive tract, as well and prevent constipation in the morning.

Note: Don’t drink beverages too close to bedtime or too much that you have to get up in the middle of the night.

Get Adjusted!
Interferences in the spine (known as subluxation) prevent the brain and nervous system from communicating properly and pressure on the spinal cord and brain stem prevents people from achieving deep sleep.

Bonus Tip: Did you know that getting a good night’s sleep aids in good digestion?

Sleep On Your Left Side
Did you know that sleeping on your left side has been shown to improve your overall health? Below are seven reasons to give it a try!

• Facilitate lymphatic drainage
• Helps bile flow more freely
• Makes it easier for the heart to pump downhill
• Helps circulation back to the heart
• Better elimination
• Support healthy spleen function
• Encourages proper digestion

Don’t forget to spring forward and set your clocks ahead one hour 2 AM on Sunday morning!

Dr. Andrea Noey is a licensed chiropractic physician and certified colon hydrotherapist at Crest Hill’s premier wellness center, Natural Chiropractic Healing. For more health and wellness tips, or to make an appointment for a free consultation, visit ChiroColonics.com.