Results: Tips for Getting a Good Night's Sleep
Published on 11/10/2019
When it comes to living healthy lives, we often focus on eating well and exercising. But getting enough sleep is just as important.
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
According to the CDC, one-third of adults in the U.S. aren't sleeping the recommended seven to nine hours a night. And chronic sleep loss can contribute to a host of health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, depression, and even psychosis. Are you someone who struggles with getting the recommended amount of sleep (7-9 hours) each night?
Yes
54%
1397 votes
No
35%
921 votes
Undecided
11%
281 votes
2.
2.
Matthew Walker, a professor of neuroscience and psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, said no one is immune. "Based on the weight of probably now about 10,000 empirical scientific studies, the number of people who can survive on six hours of sleep or less without showing any impairment, rounded to a whole number and expressed as a percent of the population, is zero," he told ESPN. Do you think it's normal for people to require more sleep now than they needed a few generations ago?
Yes
34%
882 votes
No
31%
807 votes
Undecided
35%
910 votes
3.
3.
I have some friends who struggle with getting enough sleep, so this is of interest to me. I personally have no trouble falling or staying asleep - sometimes I have difficulty getting enough hours because of my busy schedule. If you have difficulty getting the recommended hours of sleep - is it because you have difficulty getting to sleep or because your schedule often doesn't allow you to get to bed early enough for how early you have to get up in the morning?
I have trouble getting to sleep - It doesn't matter how early I get in bed, I just can't fall asleep
24%
631 votes
I can't seem to get to bed early enough - I have so many other things going on all the time!
13%
350 votes
A combination of both of these things.
25%
655 votes
Not Applicable
37%
963 votes
4.
4.
So... without further ado, here are the first few recommendations by sleep experts. Which of these (if any) do you struggle with (or could use some improvement)?
Limit daytime naps - Napping for more than 30 minutes can take a toll, especially if you tend to have trouble sleeping at night.
14%
374 votes
Expose yourself to bright light during the day - This will help keep your circadian rhythms in sync, so when it gets dark, your body will naturally grow tired.
16%
417 votes
Avoid caffeine later in the day - As most people know, caffeine is a stimulant that will help you feel more awake. So staying away from it when the sun sets will make it easier for your body to wind down.
26%
678 votes
Stick to a schedule - Studies have found that going to sleep and waking up around the same time (even on the weekends) can improve your rest in the long run.
26%
678 votes
Keep screen time to a minimum before bed - Electronic devices like smartphones and laptops emit blue light, which can trick your body into believing it's daytime (think No. 2). It's also known to delay the release of melatonin, the hormone that induces sleep.
30%
778 votes
Not Applicable
42%
1080 votes
5.
5.
And here are some more - do you have trouble with any of these (or think they might be more helpful to observe before bedtime)?
Take a melatonin supplement - Melatonin is a popular sleep aid that has been shown to improve sleep and help people relax faster.
17%
440 votes
Exercise regularly - Not only can daily sweat sessions effectively fight insomnia, but they can also make it easier to stay asleep longer. Just don't work out right before bed because it can increase your alertness.
26%
685 votes
Be careful with late-night eating - Going to bed too hungry or too full makes it much harder to relax. Plus, a large meal may affect the release of melatonin.
26%
675 votes
Create an environment conducive to sleep - The best way to achieve easy snoozing is to pair a comfortable bed with silence, cool temperatures, and a dark room.
20%
513 votes
See your doctor - If you've tried these tips and aren't seeing any results, consider talking to a medical professional. You may have an undiagnosed sleep disorder, which calls for more tailored guidance!
10%
254 votes
Not Applicable
44%
1148 votes
6.
6.
If there are any other suggestions you can think of to help those who struggle with sleep (or have a trick that has worked for you) would you care to share it in the comments?
Yes
9%
231 votes
No
47%
1214 votes
Not Applicable
44%
1154 votes
COMMENTS