ADDRESS: 2601 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
EMAIL: contact@chestnutsquare.info
TEXT or CALL US TODAY! (847) 998-1118
ADDRESS: 2601 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60026
EMAIL: contact@chestnutsquare.info
By Chestnut Square Guest Contributor Dana Christy, AOBTA, LMT, CYT
So many of us wish we could be getting more hours of better quality sleep, especially during the heightened stress of the pandemic and the recent political turmoil. If you find yourself struggling to fall asleep, waking up multiple times, or waking up earlier than you wanted, read on for some tips to help you rest easy.
The first thing we can do to help our bodies fall and stay asleep is to establish a calming evening routine. Start encouraging your body to wind down two hours before bedtime. Turn off electronic devices such as phones, computers, and TVs. Dim the lights, put on your sleeping clothes, and complete any pre-sleep personal care you need. It helps to have a calming ritual, such as enjoying a mug of herbal tea, to signal to your body that rest is coming.
It is also helpful to create a regular sleep schedule. It’s very difficult for your body to establish a healthy circadian rhythm if your sleeping hours are inconsistent. Aim to go to bed and wake up within the same 30-minute window. Be careful with naps, especially longer naps later in the day, as they may throw off your body’s rhythms. Of course, everyone is different, so it’s important to experiment with your schedule and find what works best for you.
Some nutritional therapy practices can give our bodies the resources they need to feel grounded and calm. Try not to eat a big meal within two hours of your bedtime, as digesting food can keep you awake. However, if you’re starving before bed, it’s okay to have a light, protein-based snack, such as yogurt. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, sugar, and other stimulating foods towards the end of the day. You may even find it useful to eliminate these things from your diet if you are really looking to promote better sleep.
Various foods have nutritional properties that can boost the brain chemicals we need for sleep. You can incorporate these nourishing foods into your meals and snacks throughout the day, as they will give your body what it needs to create healthy biochemical rhythms. Some of these foods include leafy green vegetables, dark cherries, beets, honey, fish, nuts, eggs, black beans, and poultry.
When lying in bed and unable to get your mind to relax, try this meditation. Focus on each part of your body, starting with your toes, and invite that body part to relax. Move up through your legs, your torso, your arms, and your face. You can focus on each individual finger and toe and facial feature, inviting a sense of restful peace into every space in your body.
If sleep struggles persist for an extended period of time, be sure to talk to your doctor about possibly incorporating supplements or medication. Some folks find that their sleep improves when they take calcium, magnesium, melatonin or vitamin B6. Others may benefit from herbal remedies. Remember that everyone’s body is different, so supplements and/or prescriptions will have different results for each person. Listen to your body (and always check with your doctor) to find what works best for you.
Dana Christy is the founder of WellSpring Healing Arts, where she practices shiatsu massage and therapeutic yoga. She has worked with people of all ages and abilities, and uses her wide range of healing modalities to guide her clients towards their vision of optimal wellness.
For more information on Chestnut Square’s vibrant senior living community, please visit www.ChestnutSquare.info
ADDRESS: 2601 Chestnut Ave, Glenview, IL 60026 | PHONE: 847 998 1118 | EMAIL: contact@chestnutsquare.info