Sleep is more than something you do when you’re tired. Sleep is a vital part of growth, healing, and general well-being. Too often sleep is sacrificed for the sake of watching something on TV, spending time online, or being out with friends, but this sacrifice takes a heavy toll on the body in ways we don’t always recognize.
Sleeping is specifically important for our patients because during your time at physical therapy, part of the overall plan to get you healthy is to ensure that you allow your body the time to properly heal. When you sleep, your body takes the time to repair muscles, heal soreness, and give your body a fresh start for the day. To miss out on the vital needs of your body is to take away, or at the very least prolong, the chances you have to achieve peak performance in the activities you love to do.
If you’re having trouble sleeping, perhaps it is some of your habits that are preventing you from having the best night ever. Here are a few key things you can do in order to get a proper night’s rest:
- Keep your bedroom dark and quiet
- Limit the amount you drink before bedtime
- Don’t go to bed on an empty stomach
- Don’t go to bed with a full stomach
- Turn off the computer and the television (no distractions)
- Reduce your daily caffeine intake
- Maintain a consistent evening schedule
So before you fall asleep at work or during some important event, re-evaluate your nightly habits and see if any or all of these suggestions can benefit you.
CNN recently ran a story on the importance of sleep and how it affects a person’s overall health.
If you’re experiencing pain and would like a professional opinion/assessment then sign-up for a FREE Pain Assessment. We will then contact you to schedule an appointment for you to come in and have someone take a look. Our goal is to get you healthy for life!
