Ravi Isola, a pulmonary critical care doctor at UCLA, and Seema Khosla, medical director at the North Dakota Center for Sleep, share their expertise on overcoming poor sleep. They discuss how excessive coffee and sleeping in can worsen recovery. Instead, they recommend creating a calming sleep environment and incorporating healthy morning habits. The conversation also delves into the mental and physical impacts of inadequate rest, stressing the importance of realistic expectations and the value of relaxation techniques.
Striving for healthy habits upon waking, such as getting sunlight and light exercise, can enhance sleep quality for subsequent nights.
Instead of stressing in bed after a sleepless night, engaging in calming activities can help alleviate anxiety and promote restful sleep.
Deep dives
Understanding Bad Sleep Patterns
A bad night of sleep is often defined by a lack of restfulness upon waking, typically indicated by feelings of fatigue and irritability. Experts recommend that adults aim for seven to nine hours of sleep, as insufficient sleep can lead to various health issues, including high blood pressure and heart disease. Sleep difficulties can manifest in different forms, such as trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or conditions like sleep apnea, which affects a significant portion of the population. This variability in sleep patterns means that understanding individual needs and experiences is crucial for managing sleep health.
Dealing with a Sleepless Night
Encountering a sleepless night is a common experience that shouldn't cause panic; occasional insomnia is part of adult life. Sleep experts suggest that if one cannot fall back asleep, it is better to leave the bed rather than stay and stress about the inability to sleep. Engaging in calming activities in a dimly lit space, such as reading or taking a warm bath, can help soothe the mind back into a state of sleep readiness. This approach is preferred over forcing oneself to sleep, which can create negative associations with the bedroom.
Morning Habits for Better Sleep Recovery
Establishing healthy habits immediately upon waking can significantly impact sleep quality on subsequent nights. Getting natural light and fresh air shortly after waking up is recommended to reset the body's internal clock and boost mood. Staying hydrated and consuming nutritious foods high in certain amino acids can help restore energy levels following a poor night’s sleep. Additionally, engaging in light exercise, even if challenging, can contribute positively to both mental and physical well-being, setting the stage for better sleep the following night.
If you've slept poorly, your instinct might be to sleep in or power through the day with extra cups of coffee. But those tactics may actually hurt your chances of getting back on track, say experts. Instead, set yourself up for success with these tips.