It’s not an exaggeration to say that enough quality sleep can change your life. You will perform better at work, have more energy, be more engaged in your life and heal faster if you sleep like a champ. If you’re a current patient at H + H you already know that we want you to get better as fast as possible, and getting optimal sleep is an important part of that. Lucky for you we are sleep experts! Here are just a few tips on improving the quality of your sleep:
1. Sleep in complete darkness, or as close to it as possible. Even the tiniest bit of light in the room may disrupt your internal clock and your pineal gland’s production of melatonin and serotonin. Cover your clock radio, get rid of night lights, cover your windows, black out shades or drapes are good for this. If you can not eliminate all light sources, wear a sleep mask.
2. Establish a bedtime routine. This could include meditation, deep breathing (such as Qi gong Breathing to Reduce Stress or the breathing techniques from the Rest Assured Program, ask us about these), using essential oils (Calm Mind essential oil blend is available in our office and is great for this) or journaling (starting a gratitude journal is a great idea). The key is to find something that makes you feel relaxed, then repeat it each night to help you release the tensions of the day.
3. No TV (or video games) right before bed. Even better, no electronics at all, and get the TV out of the bedroom. Electronics are too stimulating to the brain, preventing you from falling asleep quickly. Electronic screens disrupt your pineal gland function which is crucial for optimal sleep.
These are just a few of many recommendations we might make based on your particular circumstances. Remember, Chinese Medicine treats you as the whole, unique and special person that you are! As always, please call us with any questions.
