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Is your body craving more sleep?

Just had lunch but still hungry? Experience mid-morning headaches? Or lost your sex drive? All of these could be a sign that you’re not getting the sleep your body is craving, according to sleep expert and group CEO of Bedsonline.com.au, Cliff Sneider.

Reaching for that alarm clock off switch isn’t always a result of Monday blues or the dread of a winter walk to the bus stop. In fact there are many factors, such as the position of your body in bed, your pre-bed ritual and even diet, that effect how you feel when we wake up in the morning. Cliff said:

“It can be difficult to identify why you’re so emotional, unfocused, or just can’t shake that cold. Sometimes you may find yourself eating all day or even disinterested in your partner – these can all be symptoms of sleep deprivation or an interrupted sleep. Anyone experiencing these symptoms may find almost instant relief from altering small aspects of their regular routine. If not, then a trip to the doctor may be required to determine the issue.”

Bedsonline.com.au is Australia’s leading online bedding speciality retailer. As a longstanding expert in bedding, Cliff has come across nearly every sleep issue that’s out there and, by providing some simple tips learned through experience, has managed to improve sleep quality for most sufferers.

“The amount of sleep each individual requires can vary and by trying to increase the time you’re asleep gradually each night, you will eventually find what is right for you. Keep in mind that if you’ve been deprived of sleep for an extended period of time, it will take longer to get back into a healthy pattern,” said Cliff.

Cliff’s top 7 tips for a good night’s sleep

  1. Create a regular bedtime routine – Your body needs cues to know that it needs to slow down. Ensure that you’re home at the same time every evening to prepare your body for sleep.
  2. Create a sleep-conducive environment – The ideal sleep space should be dark and quiet – outdoor noises or the whirring of a fan indoors can startle your body. The bedroom should also be comfortable and cool, with a temperature of 18 -20°C.
  3. Get up at the same time every morning – Again, it’s all about routine. The body needs its cues, even when you’re asleep! Assess how many hours your body needs to function efficiently and set your alarm to ensure that you’ve reached this number – even at the weekends!
  4. Finish exercise at least 2-3 hours before bed – Regular exercise is excellent for sleep, but allow your body’s adrenalin to slow down for a couple of hours. If not, you could risk a restless first couple of hours of sleep.
  5. Find the right position – Sleeping on your side with your knees bent or with a pillow between your knees is the best way to maintain proper body posture. If you must sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to support the normal curve of your lower back. Sleeping on your stomach or with your head elevated on an oversized pillow arches the natural curves of the back, and increases pressure on the diaphragm and lungs. These positions can lead to restless tossing and turning, leaving you tired the next day.
  6. Try to unwind – You may try stretching, relaxation exercises, a hot shower or bath, meditation, or a glass of hot milk or herbal tea to calm the body. If you’re faced with a task that may cause you frustration or a conversation that may anger you, avoid until morning.
  7. Avoid electronics an hour before bed – Playing with phones, tablets and even watching television increases brain activity that becomes difficult to switch off. Try reading or another relaxing activity instead.

For further tips and sleep advice visit bedsonline.com.au

 

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  • A lot of these are just common sense but thanks for the reminder.

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  • These are great tips but don’t work for me. I’ve tried them all but I think my problem is that I work 7 nights straight and then have 7 off. Been doing this for 8 1/2 years so I think my body clock is whacked.

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  • Great tips – hope they will work for me tonight.

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  • I do all of these but am the worst sleeper ever (always been, even as a baby and child). I would add to these tips, no alcohol before bed and no food before bed.

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  • No5 is a bit difficult when one changes positions through the night.

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  • I find a routine does help a little with me, along with lavender oil sprinkled on my pillow before I go to bed.

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  • Routine, routine, routine. It’s not always possible with kids – I think you also need to try to stress less about things. As they say, don’t sweat the small stuff.

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  • I find a peppermint tea (which has replaced my nightly coffee) helps wind me down before bed. I also turn off all devices a good 30 minutes before bed to rest my brain.

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  • for a long time after my youngest child started sleeping through the night, i would still wake up a lot. now though, as soon as my head touches the pillow, i am out like a light. my hubby can’t believe how easy it is for me to go to sleep, when i was the lightest sleeper while trying to breastfeed my child. And i can’t even count the amount of times that i would wake up and just check on the kids lol

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  • Some great tips here, did not know about the exercising at least 2-3 hour before, thanks for sharing.

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  • These are really great tips for a good night’s sleep. One should try to follow these tips – it will definitely help them.

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  • helpful tips will have to try some

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  • Thanks for the helpful tips I will try some of these out as I only manage like 4 hours a sleep a night some nights I just lay there and cannot fall asleep thanks again


    • Music is a fantastic sleep enhancer. It stimulates feel good hormones, enhances mood helps you feel happy, calm and relax. Choose the same music to reestablish a good association for sleep.

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  • Number 7 is so hard to do! With technology so accessible its hard to ignore it before bed!

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  • thank you I am in desperate need of a good nights sleep

    Reply

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