Sleeping is one of the most important health habits one must practice.
Lack of sleep could result to more serious and dangerous health problems. Lack of sleep also hinders performance. Therefore, it is very important for a person to reach the minimum number of sleeping hours required.
Here are 13 dangerous habits that cause some people trouble when sleeping.
1.) IRREGULAR SLEEPING PATTERN
The body has a difficult time processing unpredictable sleeping patterns. It causes the body to adjust to the irregular sleeping pattern each time. As a result, it will be hard for the body to determine when to sleep. It is advised to have a consistent sleeping pattern to keep your body on track.
2.) DRINKING WATER BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP
This practice will lead to having a full bladder, which will make a person feel uncomfortable in bed. Having a full bladder will make a person stay up late at night and this hinders having a good night’s sleep. Medical professionals suggest that one must stop drinking water an hour or two before going to bed.
3.) GOING ONLINE INTO THE LATE HOURS OF THE NIGHT
Oftentimes, browsing the internet at night will keep you awake into the wee hours of the morning. Moreover, the electronic gadgets will stimulate the brain and keep it from resting. It is advised to avoid surfing the internet at night to give the body enough time to rest.
4.) READING BEFORE SLEEPING
This habit will cause the body to get used to reading before sleeping, making it difficult to sleep without reading beforehand. Experts suggest reading earlier and not in bed.
5.) USING AN ALARM CLOCK THAT IS TOO BRIGHT
An alarm clock that is too bright is similar to an open laptop screen. It will be hard for the brain to focus on relaxing because of the light stimulating it. It is advised to keep the bedroom as dark as possible.
6.) SLEEPING ON AN UNCOMFORTABLE MATTRESS
Being uncomfortable is one of the main reasons of sleep trouble. Sleeping on a mattress that is too lumpy will adversely affect the body's ability to achieve deep sleep.
7.) SLEEPING ON A FULL STOMACH
It is not advisable to eat before going to bed, as it will force the body to digest the food instead of relaxing. When a person eats before sleeping, the body has to work overtime to digest the food and it could make a person stay up late or lead to indigestion.
8.) LATE NIGHT EXERCISE
Exercising hours before going to bed is not recommended, as it will boost the body's energy. The energy will keep the body awake and make it hard to calm down long enough to start sleeping.
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9.) SLEEPING WITH COLD FEET
Wearing socks or heat pads is very helpful in having a good night’s sleep. When a person has cold feet, it causes the body to feel uncomfortable, which leads to sleep trouble.
10.) NOT PRACTICING A BEDTIME ROUTINE
The body can usually predict when it’s time to sleep. To do this, one must plan a routine before sleeping, such as brushing the teeth or washing the face before bedtime. The body will then be able to identify that such activities will lead to sleep. The body will be able to follow this pattern and eventually get used to it.
11.) CONSUMING CAFFEINE BEFORE GOING TO SLEEP
The effect of caffeine on the body can last up to 4 hours. This means that when a person consumes any beverage with caffeine at night, it will keep him or her awake for up to 4 hours. Experts recommend consuming decaf instead if one cannot resist drinking coffee.
12.) COUNTING SHEEP
Most people believe that counting sheep helps initiate sleep. However, the National Sleep Foundation found out that it is actually useless. Instead, one should perform an uninteresting activity, such as balancing a check book.
13.) UNAWARE OF SLEEPING POSITIONS
Experts suggest that the best sleeping position is the "Sleeping Beauty" position or sleeping on the side. It offers more comfort and more relaxation for the body.
