Natural Sleep Aids

Statistics Canada found that 3.3 million Canadians (one in seven!) over the age of 15 have problems falling asleep or staying asleep. 8 hours of good quality, uninterrupted sleep is ideal.

Sleep is directly correlated to better health. This is the time the body heals and rejuvenates. Poor sleep has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and depression.

Here are some tips to help you to fall asleep and stay asleep:

1. Avoid Caffeine- You should avoid caffeine about 4-6 hours before bedtime. Some people are affected by caffeine for up to 12 hours.

2. Avoid Bright Lights- before bedtime. Even the LED lights on your alarm clock and computer can stimulate the brain and cause you to stay up.

3. Reduce Stress- meditation, yoga, exercise, massage and chiropractic are therapies that can help to reduce stress and help you fall asleep.

4. Avoid activity or exercise close to bedtime

5. Have a light snack or warm drink before bedtime- warm milk contains tryptophan which converts to serotonin to put you to sleep. Warm decaffeinated tea such as chamomile tea is calming to help you to fall asleep.

6. Avoid alcohol- this will cause you to wake up throughout the night.

7. Routine is Key- try to fall asleep and wake up at the same time. Also have a bedtime routine such as having a warm bath, reading a book with a chamomile tea and preparing for sleep at the same time each and every day.

8. Natural Supplements- talk to your natural health care practitioner such as a naturopath or a chiropractor about natural supplements that can help with sleep.

For more information Dr. Brent Moyer can be contacted at Brant Arts Chiropractic 905-637-6100. www.drbrentmoyer.com Twitter: @brantartschiro Facebook: Brant Arts Chiropractic