9 Lifestyle Mistakes to Avoid to Ensure Good Sleep
Getting a good night’s rest is critical for the mind and body to rejuvenate for the next day. Adults must get a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night to maintain a healthy outlook and avoid complications from developing in the future. But there are certain nutrition choices and lifestyle habits that develop inadvertently, whereas others are forced errors that prevent you from getting good sleep. Here are 9 such mistakes to avoid.
Drinking coffee or tea before bed
Drinking tea or coffee at night is not recommended because they contain caffeine, which is a stimulant that can increase metabolism and prevent the body from resting. Drinking these beverages at night will also keep the mind alert as the caffeine stays in the system for a long time where its effects persist. According to experts, it’s best to avoid consuming beverages that contain stimulants, such as coffee or tea, after 6 pm.
Taking a cold shower before bed
The body and mind are trained to respond to the daily routine in a fixed manner. So, taking a cold shower signals the brain that it’s time to wake up and be alert, as most people shower first thing in the morning. Showering at night could mix up the signals and confuse the brain into thinking it’s time to stay alert rather than power down to get rest. This can affect sleep, making it hard to get some shut-eye. Instead, experts suggest taking a hot shower, if necessary, a few hours before bed. Hot water mainly helps the muscles relax and provides a soothing effect beneficial for sleep.
Following an erratic sleep cycle
The body and mind have a set circadian rhythm that controls when we wake up and go to sleep through the release of hormones. At night, the metabolism slows down to allow the organs and vital functions to rest.