How many hours of sleep did you get last night? If you’re like most Americans, you’re not catching enough zzzz’s, which can take a toll on your health. What’s more, recent studies also show being sleep deprived can affect your ability to lose weight and keep it off. As you’re following the South Beach Diet, there’s no doubt that you’re already paying close attention to eating healthy, but making certain you clock in enough sleep each night should also be part of your routine. Getting the recommended minimum of eight hours of sleep each night will not only help you stick to your healthy eating plan, but will also combat stress-related weight gain. If counting sheep isn’t working for you, try these five tips to help you sleep better soon:
-
Create
a regular sleep routine.
Try to go to bed at about the same time every night and wake up at about the
same time each morning, even on the weekends. Some people find that setting a
bedtime alarm as well as a morning alarm is a good reminder of when it’s time
to go to sleep and arise. You’ll find that once your body adjusts to a regular
routine, you’ll start to wake up refreshed.
-
Reserve
your bed for sleeping and sex only.
Avoid stressful, sleep-depriving activities, such as watching TV news or scary
movies — or paying bills! — around bedtime. Some people
find that a hot bath or soothing music before going to bed helps. If insomnia
does strike, leave the bed and walk around for a while.
-
Don’t go
to bed hungry. If you
tend to get the midnight munchies, don’t head for the ice cream. Instead, enjoy
a protein-rich snack, such as reduced-fat cheese, or a slice of deli turkey
breast before heading to bed.
-
Avoid
caffeinated beverages
or other foods containing caffeine after about noon. Caffeine can stay in your
system for up to 24 hours.
- Refrain from exercise within three hours before bedtime. Regular exercise is encouraged during the day because it can give you more energy and help you sleep better at night, but it also releases the hormone epinephrine, which can make you more alert. That’s why it’s best to exercise earlier rather than later if you suffer from insomnia.
