NORTH FORK, CA – Sleep is not a luxury, it is a necessity.  It is essential for your survival, allowing your brain and your body to restore itself every day. In children and teens, sleep is important for growth and development.  Like many aspects of how humans function, we only have theories as to why we must sleep.  But it is obvious that we do need it.

Being short on sleep over time can increase your risk for chronic health problems.  It can affect all systems in your body – heart and circulatory system, respiratory system, your ability to remove toxins from your body, your hormones, and your metabolism.  It can also affect your ability to think and react, your memory, your ability to learn, and how you respond to stress and get along with others.

How many hours of sleep did you get last night?  Research shows that 7-9 hours of sleep are needed every night.  Infants, children, and teenagers often need more.  Going to bed and getting up at consistent times is always best.  But catch-up sleep may be beneficial if you are coming up short.  Be asleep by 10pm, or even earlier if you must get up early.  Humans are daytime animals, and staying up later interferes with your circadian rhythm.

Are you having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep?  Here are some things you can experiment with that often help, and that support your health.

• See the sunrise
• Avoid bright lights after dark
• Sleep in darkness
• Turn off the WiFi and your cell phone at night
• Remove all electronics from the bedroom
• Use non-toxic bedding, such as organic cotton sheets and wool blankets
• Use a non-toxic mattress, made from natural rubber, cotton or wool
• Reserve your bed for sleeping and making love, not watching screens or eating
• For 1-2 hours before bed, avoid work and screen time and do things relaxing to you
• Exercise outdoors during the day
• Eat fat and protein at dinner
• Do not eat anything for at least 2 hours before sleep

You know how much better you feel when you get enough sleep, and good quality sleep.  Make it a priority.

You can read previous articles here:  Focus On Vibrant Health.

Dr. Veronica Tilden can be your ally in having vibrant health.  She uses traditional hands-on osteopathy and helps you take responsibility for your health, guiding you to make better choices in your life.  Her office is in North Fork.  You can find out more and schedule an appointment at DrVeronicaTilden.com.