Even though it seems like it should require the least amount of work or effort, getting enough sleep on a nightly basis is actually pretty difficult for many people. In fact, according to a new study published in The Lancet, over 25 percent of Americans have trouble sleeping peacefully through the night.
There could be any number of factors contributing to what's hampering your sleep habits, ranging from diet to stress. But whatever the cause may be, the fact is everyone needs to get about seven hours of sleep every night. Not doing so not only hurts your performance at work or leaves you sluggish while driving, but can also negatively impact brain health and memory support too.
If you're having any trouble getting a good night's rest, try some of these suggestions:
- Exercise: Getting in a workout on a regular basis isn't just good for your overall health and well-being, it can also help you sleep better. This doesn't mean lifting 100 pound weights or running 10 miles every day, of course. But just 30 minutes of aerobic exercise — whether on the bike, treadmill or outdoors — three times a week can go a long way in helping you get enough rest.
- Relax: The corpse pose in yoga is a simple and easy-to-replicate way to help get your body in a relaxed state. All you need to do is lie down and relax your muscles. In other words, as the name suggests, just play dead! Not only is it relaxing but it will help encourage your body to fall asleep.
- Tart cherries: These tasty fruits boast high concentrations of melatonin, which can help to ease the body and better promote sleep. The nutrients in tart cherries carry a number of other healthy properties that can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress as well.
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