Sound Sleep // 18 Bad Habits To Break Now

Sleep is so important to our well-being. I am one of those people who needs her sleep and I often get 8-9 hours a night which is essential to my energy, mood and productivity. However, after reading elizabeth narins' article, 18 bad sleeping habits to break now, I am thinking there are some major adjustments that I need to consider making to improve my sleeping pattern. Below are a few of my favorites and one I will have to chat with my husband about... 

#18... rocco might be moving to the floor!

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2) You only use your pillows for your head. If you sleep on your back, wedge one under your knees to take pressure off your lower back. Or if you sleep on your side, wedge a pillow underneath your top armpit to support your arm and one between your legs to keep your spine aligned.

3) You sleep on your stomach. Sleeping facedown can cause some obvious issues — like not being able to breathe, for example. Because you need to turn your head to one side to get air in and out, you inherently twist your spine. Over time, this can cause neck and back pain (not to mention issues falling and staying asleep).

5) You don't have a bedtime. When you crash hard at 9 p.m. on Monday night and stay up all night Tuesday to binge-watch your Netflix queue, your body won't know when to shut down on Wednesday night. A consistent sleep schedule helps your body know when it's time to fall asleep and wake up.

6) You sleep in on weekends. Think you can run on no sleep all week and catch up Saturday morning? Recent research suggests skimping on sleep can actually lead to permanent brain damage that can compromise your alertness and brain power — and binge-sleeping can't mend that.

7) You go to sleep on a full stomach. Whenever you eat dinner less than three hours before bedtime, you put yourself at risk for heartburn and indigestion, which can make it tough to doze off. Keep late-night snacks light, and always avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods before bed.

9) You sleep in fetal position. This side-sleeper tendency can restrict your breath and compromise the quality of your sleep. Wedge a body pillow under your top arm and leg to unwind your limbs and lengthen your spine. Even if you kick it away at some point during the night, you'll at least get some good quality sleep. 

10) You sleep on a mattress that's older than you. Most inner spring mattresses only last for five or 10 years, max, depending on the quality of your mattress, your weight, and how much time you spend in bed.

14) You sleep with your phone, or use your computer or TV before bed. These screens emit blue light that activates your brain and interferes with your body's natural sleep cycle. Ideally, leave your phone outside your room while you sleep.

16) You sleep in a room that's too hot or cold. Temperatures above 75 degrees and below 54 degrees will disrupt sleep. Recent research suggests that sleeping in a room that's about 66 degrees can increase your metabolism.

18) You sleep with your pet. Sixty-three percent of pet owners who sleep beside their pets sleep poorly more often than not, according to research presented at a recent annual associated professional sleep societies meeting. 

interested in all the 18 tips, click here for the full article.