Dan Health

I Do Anything for It: Good Sound Sleep Is the Most Powerful Health Restorer

Good sleep doesn’t come easy for many. Especially when getting older, many find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Each to his and her own, but there are some basic rules to follow. And you feel fresh and energetic every morning – and, over time, minimize the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stress, heartache, diabetes, you name it. Here are a few rules for good, deep sleep.

After a good night’s sleep, you know and feel it right away that your body and mind will power you through the day. After a bad night’s sleep, you feel more irritable, less energetic, easily distressed even. Over time, nothing is such a health enhancer as good sleep. Over time, nothing can make you more weak and ailing than bad sleep. That’s why achieving good sleep deserves all your attention.

Good sleep doesn’t come easy for many. Especially when getting older, many find it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. Each to his and her own, but there are some basic rules to follow. And you feel fresh and energetic every morning – and, over time, minimize the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, stress, heartache, diabetes, depression, obesity, you name it.

Some rules for good sleep are no-brainers and easy to follow. Others require some discipline and lifestyle changes. But what do you want: good sleep – or always feel kind of restless and exhausted?

  • Lead a clean life, avoid alcohol, tobacco, sugar and – later in the day – caffeine as best as you can
  • Have your main meal at least four to five hours before going to bed
  • Have a snack before bed that’ll supply your brain with enough nutrition during sleep – low blood sugar is a main reason to bolt awake in the middle of the night *
  • Prepare for bed by avoiding noise, bright lights, discussions for an hour or so before saying goodnight
  • Make yourself fresh before bed and always make sure to sleep in a dark, comfortable, clean and quiet environment
  • Correct breathing can improve falling sleep immensely *
  • Practice peace of mind while lying awake – don’t worry, don’t force it, it’ll just come over time

* I developed my own bedtime smoothie and breathing technique to find good, restoring sleep. Kind of had no choice, since I have difficult working hours and have to force myself to sleep at certain times. After many trials and errors, it just works, with enough deep and REM sleep.

Sometimes it’s just not possible to sleep well. Life is not linear, there are always deviations that might get you out of rhythm. But if a sleeping technique works more often than not, I trust it and rely on it, for the benefit of physical and mental health.

Just ask if you want to know more about that bedtime smoothie and breathing technique.