Go to Sleep!

Not always so easy!! Lack of sleep is relatively common today - especially for young people - and can have some pretty negative effects.  Not only has it been linked to cardiovascular disease, immune system suppression, and dysfunction of the endocrine system, it also affects our mood (though I’m sure this comes as no shock!).  Once thought to be a result of depression, current research has found that lack of sleep often precedes and can actually cause depression.  It causes stress (again, no surprise here) but is currently being studied as a cause of anxiety disorders.

Is our current obsession with all things technological to blame?  Very likely yes.  Although many people feel their night time ritual of checking Facebook and Twitter or playing Words With Friends in bed helps them fall asleep, it has actually been shown to have the opposite effect, as does watching TV and surfing the Internet, because they have a stimulating effect on the brain.  Eating late and drinking alcohol, caffeine or exercising too close to bedtime can also disrupt sleep. 

So what can you do if sleep eludes you? The following suggestions may help: 

• Try to go to bed and wake up at the same time
• Turn off electronics about an hour before bed
• Exercise regularly but not within a few hours of bedtime
• Doing calming activities before bed such as relaxation yoga, reading a book or positive visualization
• Avoid late night snacking, alcohol and caffeine- keep in mind that chocolate has caffeine :-(
• Avoid emotionally charged conversations (including texts, email, and other social media) close to bedtime