Posted by TENA/DIAMOND on 9/25/2009, 11:20 pm
4 Ways to Improve Sleep
From YOU: The Owners Manual, by RealAge experts Michael F. Roizen, MD, and
Mehmet C. Oz, MD
By RealAge
With some major exceptions, sleep is a lot like sex. Its something you really
look forward to, and it makes you feel great when you âre done. Most important,
though, sleep is more like your boss -- its much more agreeable when it goes
uninterrupted.
Getting a good nights sleep is one of the most crucial things you can do for
your body. Getting about 7 hours of sleep a night can make a profound difference
to your brain and your heart and make your RealAge up to 3 years younger.
Lack of sleep makes you less mentally aware and more fatigued, causes you to eat
more, and places you at a higher risk for accidents. Plus, being fatigued puts
you at greater risk of making choices that age you (when you âre tired, its
easier to order the bacon-double-fat burgers than the grilled salmon).
Although sleeping pills may seem like a good idea -- because they do work in the
short term by shutting off the Leno-watching neurons -- they may have more
harmful effects over the long term because of their addictive qualities.
Instead, you can try these ways to help yourself sleep like a teenager during
summer break:
Get on a schedule. Your body clock runs best when you âre on a regular sleep
schedule, like a baby. Aim to get up at the same time every day -- whether you
have a full day of work or a full day of cartoons. On the weekends, try to rise
within 1 hour of the time you get up during the week.
Change your temperature. The ideal setting for sleep is a cool, dark room. If
you âre having trouble sleeping, try removing a layer of clothing (like socks)
or lowering the thermostat.
At night, eat foods that contain melatonin, a substance that helps regulate the
body clock. That means oats, sweet corn, or rice. Or try a complex carbohydrate
that has serotonin, like vegetables or whole-grain pasta. You can also go with
the classic remedy: skim milk. Of course, you know to avoid stimulants like
caffeine and exercise near bedtime. And try to avoid eating within 3 hours of
going to bed.
Use your bedroom only for sleep and sex. It is best to take work materials,
computers, and televisions out of your sleeping environment.
Think you might have insomnia, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome? Take the
RealAge Sleep Quiz for personalized advice to help you sleep more soundly.
TENA/DIAMOND
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
 A ROSE FROM MOM AND I !!
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