Do you know the health benefits of sleep? I just learned that adults need 7 - 9 hours of GOOD quality sleep to stave off chronic disease and prevent depression, dementia and Alzheimer's! Why? Read on...
Did you know that when you sleep your brain shrinks, allowing for the fluids in your brain to mix together and "wash" your brain while you sleep. This important function rids your brain of a protein like substance that when it builds up prevents healthy sleep patterns and can be a root cause of dementia and Alzheimer's. Also, people who suffer from insomnia and lack of productive sleep are 10x more likely to suffer from depression!
Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly are proven methods for assisting in restful and productive sleep. Try to follow my tips below and see if you sleep better and feel better after 2 weeks:
Exercise at least 10 - 20 minutes a day, or 150 minutes a week. This could include a vigorous walk, run, playing a sport, swimming, cycling, dancing, or weight training.
Eat whole grains, lean protein, fresh fruits and veggies - and finish your last meal 3 hours before bed.
Stay away from processed foods, refined sugar and sodium.
Reduce alcohol intake to 1 - 2 glasses of wine per day - or even better, swap out an alcoholic beverage for KIN!
Stay hydrated and drink at least 32oz of water a day.
Turn off stimulating devices like your phone, computer and TV 2 hours before bed, and instead try reading, meditation, and low impact exercise like yoga.
Ensure your sleep environment is comfortable, quiet and dark.
Finally, do things throughout the day that help to destress you and make you feel happy. Worry and "turning my brain off" are the two main reasons I cannot sleep at night... and many of my friends and clients have said they feel the same way.
Sleep good = Feel good = Sleep Good = FEEL GREAT!
Sending you lots of love & yum!
XO,
Lindz