Stacked schedules and the demands of techno-connection often leave us pushing our physical and mental limits, leaving sleep the lowest priority on our to-do lists.
In fact, a 2011 Stanford University study found that excessive sleepiness is widespread among Americans. Recent reports from the Mayo Clinic and Harvard University have also found that unhealthy sleep patterns impact everything from weight issues to diabetes, fibromyalgia and Alzheimer’s disease.
A Norwegian study found what many with chronic pain already know, that the quality of sleep they experience is often plagued with difficulties getting back to sleep after waking as well as lacking in the intensity of deep restorative sleep.
Sleep disturbances may be like the chicken and the egg for folks with fibromyalgia, however, as a recent Universidad de Granada study found that sleep disturbances may be both a cause and consequence of the condition. The researchers also found promising results for sleep-deprived patients with cognitive-behavioral therapy and aerobic exercise.
Diet and exercise can figure prominently in a good sleep routine. It’s not just that you have a physical fitness routine that can help or hinder your rest, it may be when you work out. The same goes for what and when you drink and eat. Exercising within three hours of your bedtime and eating too heavily and too late can also prevent you from getting to sleep.
A recent episode of Fox TV’s Dr. Oz show touted the use of two tablespoons of almond butter before bed to help regulate blood sugar. Another Oz remedy is a cup of milk before retiring heated in a pan with nutmeg, cardamom and turmeric powders. Natural sugar can be added if you like it a little sweeter.
For more Dr. Oz sleep tips, check out http://droz.me/k7B460
For tips on how to get a good night’s sleep from the Mayo Clinic, check out http://bit.ly/x34nqA
If you need a respite during the day, check out the relaxation music and guided meditation at the Oxford Valley Pain and Spine Center website.
