A friend suggested this topic for my blog. Honestly, I had no idea what it was. Sleep hygiene? It sounds like clean sheets, clean pajamas, or washing and brushing the teeth before bedtime. Apparently, not.
Sleep hygiene, according to the National Sleep Foundation, “is a variety of different practices and habits that are necessary to have a good nighttime sleep quality and full daytime alertness. Sleep is important. We should be getting 7-8 hours a night (six, according to Arnold Schwarzenegger—“sleep faster”). Sleep is essential to exercise recovery (i.e., adequate physical adaptation) and being productive during the day. It is crucial for physical and mental health.
The National Sleep Foundation suggests that good sleep hygiene includes:1
–Limiting daytime naps to 30 minutes.
–Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine and nicotine close to bedtime.
–Exercise.
–Steering clear of food that can be disruptive (e.g. spicy, rich, citrus, etc.) right before sleep.
–Ensuring adequate exposure to natural light to help maintain a healthy sleep-wake cycle.
–Establishing a regular nightly routine and bedtime.
–Making sure that the sleep environment is pleasant.
Don’t neglect your sleep. Exercise is important. The stimulus for growth starts in the gym, of course, but the adaptation occurs outside the gym. A healthy diet is essential, as well, and can contribute to a healthy sleep. Limiting stress can help, too. Make sleep hygiene part of your growth plan.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!
1https://www.sleepfoundation.org/articles/sleep-hygiene