Get Your Sleep
A good night's rest is important to your overall health for numerous reasons. Without it, you're grumpy, tired, and less able to function. You're also more likely to forget things, overeat, and avoid exercise. But in today's busy 24/7 world, many people sacrifice sleep to get things done. Many others suffer from insomnia, which is difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
If you have a thyroid condition, getting a good night's rest is critical. Here are some suggestions from the National Sleep Foundation on how to ensure a good night's rest.
Keep a regular schedule. Get up and go to bed at the same time every day, even on weekends. Resist the urge to sleep in on weekends, so you can establish and sustain a regular wake-sleep cycle.
Create a relaxing bedtime routine. Whether you read, listen to music, or soak in a tub, a restful routine can set the stage and relieve the stress and anxiety that make it harder to get to sleep.
Avoid stimulating activities before bed, such as paying bills, playing games, or solving problems.
Make it comfortable. If your mattress is older than nine or ten years, it might be time to replace it with one that is comfortable and supportive. Spend fifteen minutes testing it out in the store before you buy.
Limit light and noise. Keep your bedroom dark, and minimize noise. The exception might be a sound machine that produces white noise, which can lull some people to sleep.
Use your bedroom only for sleep and intimacy. Leave your work in the office and the TV in the living room. Limiting activities in your bedroom will help you associate the room with sleep.
Watch what you eat and drink. Don't eat in the two or three hours before bed. Limit fluids, so you don't awaken at night for visits to the bathroom.
Try to exercise regularly. Regular physical activity can promote sleep. But try to do it at least three hours before bedtime. If you want to make it a part of your daily routine, the best time is in the morning.
If you have trouble falling asleep, get plenty of sunlight in the morning and avoid sunlight in the late afternoon.
Avoid alcohol and nicotine. Both substances can lead to poor sleep, especially when used close to bedtime. Although many people think of alcohol as a sedative, it actually causes nighttime awakenings and less restful sleep.
If you can't sleep, get up. Try reading a dull book, folding laundry, or watching TV. When you start feeling tired, go back and try again.
Don't take worries to bed. Before going to bed, write down your worries and make a to-do list for the next day. Then, set them aside and focus your attention on relaxing.
Poor sleep on a regular basis can actually cause several health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and weight gain. So don't shrug off insomnia, daytime sleepiness, or any other sleep problem. Talk to a doctor if you routinely have problems getting to sleep. But remember, it is possible that trouble sleeping may be the result of hyperthyroidism or overtreatment of hypothyroidism.
