Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow this morning, which means it’s time for you to gear up for another six weeks of winter here in blustery Livonia, Michigan. For people with healthy sleeping habits, cozying up during the winter months may seem like second nature. In fact, many people report getting their best sleep during the cold months of the year. If you suffer from a sleeping disorder, however, it’s likely you’re not getting the sleep you need, and sleep dentist Dr. James Stewart wants to help.
Tips for Better Cold-Weather Sleep
Falling asleep under a pile of warm blankets and flannel pajamas while snow quietly falls outside the window may sound like a winter dream for heavy sleepers, but, for people who don’t have healthy sleep habits, being cozy won’t necessarily help them get the sleep they need to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Instead of lying awake all night and watching the snow fall, follow a few of these tips for better sleeping:
- Go to bed if you’re tired, but don’t stay in bed if you can’t fall asleep. Few things are more frustrating than feeling sleepy, going through your bedtime routine, climbing into bed, and then being unable to fall asleep. When you lay in bed for hours waiting for sleep to come to you, you give your mind a chance to wander, which often brings up feelings of stress and worry about a growing to-do list, what the next day will bring, and more—none of which will help you relax enough to fall asleep. If you can’t fall asleep after 20 or 30 minutes of laying in bed, get up and do something that usually makes you tired, but does not stimulate your mind too much, such as reading a simple book or listening to soft music. It’s best to keep the lights low and avoid the television, computer, or cell phone. (more…)
